A community group is hoping to raise £10,000 to turn a neglected Ll?n chapel into a vibrant centre for culture.

The Hafod Ceiri group has set up a JustGiving page to help them realise their dream of turning the dilapidated Grade II listed Capel Llithfaen into ‘a multi-purpose centre for historical interpretation, the arts and social inclusion’.

A spokesperson for the group said: “This project will create a vibrant and sustainable multi-purpose centre by adapting a handsome chapel with striking interior architectural features.

“The building at the moment is in a state of disrepair and urgently needs work done to it.

“A hard-working committee has come together to save the building whilst breathing new life into the local economy and celebrating local heritage.”

The group has already managed to secure some funding to start work on the chapel, and signed the lease on the building in February.

“But this difficult period descended upon us and the work came to an abrupt halt, almost before it began,” the spokesperson said on the effect of the coronavirus on the group’s progress.

“Now, however, the work is underway again, and these initial grants are being used to pay for the work of securing the roof and strengthening the ceiling.

“We thank AONB Ll?n’s Sustainable Development Fund, the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Welsh Church Fund, CADW and the Lottery Heritage Fund for their support during this stage.”

They added: “Our eventual aim for the building is to create two floors within the main building – the open upper floor, keeping the gallery and choir stalls’ unique features and the lower floor will be developed into a small café and a heritage centre, focusing on local history and Tre’r Ceiri.

“Of course, due to the present restrictions, we were unable to make a start the heritage activities we had planned, but we had various video calls during the lockdown months.

“It is our intention to resume the monthly meetings in the autumn.

“It is a challenging period for every organisation, and because we can’t host activities, and the bills keep rolling in, we have set up a JustGiving page.

“If you’d like to make a contribution towards our venture, we would be extremely grateful.”

Hafod Ceiri has been set up as a charity with the aim of developing a heritage centre for the benefit of the whole community.

“We will also endeavour to give an interpretation of the area’s unique cultural heritage,” the spokesperson added.

“Hafod Ceiri will also ensure that Capel Isaf in Llithfaen will have a sustainable future as a place of worship.”

The group is also designing a website and set up social media pages.

To follow the group’s progress, like the Hafod Ceiri page on Facebook and follow @HafodCeiri on Twitter.