Angry scenes erupted as supporters of Llancaiach Fawr, a Tudor mansion in Caerphilly, reacted to the news that the site will be mothballed by the end of the year, resulting in potential job losses. The decision was made at a cabinet meeting where senior councillors reiterated the proposal to mothball the site in response to a significant funding gap of £45m over the next two years. Supporters of the historical attraction condemned the move, likening it to “cultural vandalism”.
During the consultation process leading up to the decision, many councillors expressed support for preserving Llancaiach Fawr for the long term. However, the cabinet focused on broader budget issues faced by Caerphilly Council, leading to the decision to mothball the site. The council currently provides nearly £500,000 annually to subsidise the manor.
The mothballing process is expected to take six to seven months, with £53,000 allocated for maintenance. The move will result in the exit of 20 staff members and 18 volunteers from Llancaiach Fawr. Council representatives assured the public that the closure is temporary, with plans to reopen the attraction without the need for ongoing subsidies.
Despite the council’s reassurances, supporters of Llancaiach Fawr expressed their dismay at the decision, with one member of the Friends of Llancaiach Fawr organisation calling it an “absolute disgrace”. Councillors stressed the necessity of the decision due to challenging financial circumstances, likening the economic outlook to “austerity on steroids”.
The council’s intention to mothball Llancaiach Fawr has raised concerns about the future of the historic site and its impact on the local community. Deputy leader Cllr Jamie Pritchard affirmed the council’s commitment to finding alternative arrangements for the venue. However, the decision has left many questioning the prioritisation of budget pressures over the preservation of cultural heritage.