FEARS have been raised over the future of New Quay Memorial Hall, with cash-strapped Ceredigion County Council poised to withdraw financial support.

County Hall chiefs argue that axing the building’s subsidy would be justified as grant funding is available and they no longer support other halls, including Lampeter’s Victoria Hall which was leased out with a grant in 2011.

Conceding that the New Quay hall could indeed close if cash aid is withdrawn after 31 March they are proposing “a period of grace” to avoid such a scenario.

And New Quay Town Council has made a Facebook appeal urging younger people to join the hall committee to help ensure that a facility dating back to the early years of the 20th century can survive.

“The hall is very well-used but probably needs £100,000 to £150,000 of repairs and we simply don’t have that kind of money,” committee member Cllr Julian Evans told the Cambrian­ News.

“The town council is asking volunteers to come forward and try and save the hall.

“If a repairing lease is agreed for 20 years we will obviously need people in their 40s and 50s to see it out.

“If such individuals don’t come forward then they’re going to lose a very valuable asset to the community.”

See this week’s South Ceredigion paper for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now