Victorian Risca chapel saved in revamp (From Campaign Series)

Victorian Risca chapel saved in revamp

12:10pm Thursday 14th February 2013 in News

A RISCA chapel that has been standing for 130 years has been saved from being demolished after a restoration programme.

The building was constructed in the grounds of Risca Old Cemetery in the 1880s and has been a focal point at the heart of the town spanning three centuries.

But it deteriorated badly over the last decade or so and in recent times faced the possibility of being demolished.

Caerphilly council stepped in and has spent many thousands of pounds restoring it to its former glory.

Work has included restoring the Bath stone structure, replacing three-quarters of the roof and reconstructing the unstable dressed-stone parapet walls.

It has always been a municipal facility and the council now plans to use it as a chapel of rest and as a facility that will help workers maintain and manage the cemetery.

A lease will be given to a funeral director from the area, with monies gained from this paying for the refurbishment costs.

Cabinet member for community and leisure services Cllr David Poole called it a “beautifully restored facility” and said it will again play a significant role in the community.