A COUNCIL has gone to court to force the owner to carry out urgent repairs to the roof and rendering of an historic, listed Aberystwyth building, because of safety fears.

Ceredigion County Council went before magistrates in Aberystwyth on Monday with an application for permission to demand that Richard Graham Wells, of 36 Pier Street, carry out works to the Malt House in Trefechan, or allow the council to carry out the work and then bill Wells.

However, a deal has been struck between Wells and the authority which should see repair work completed by the end of October, depending on weather conditions.

Council solicitor Maggie Hughes said the council had concerns over the safety of the roof and rendering of the Malt House and made the application to the court to ensure work was undertaken.

Following discussions with Wells, Ms Hughes said the council was satisfied that an estimate of works supplied by a local builder to Wells was acceptable, although she said that the Malt House’s listed building status could cause a complication as planning permission would be required ahead of the work.

While there is an initial completion date for work of 31 October, an order agreed by the council has said that is dependent on the weather.

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