PENARTH Pier Pavilion leaseholders Penarth Arts Council (PACL) have issued a statement denying rumours that their lease from the Vale of Glamorgan Council is currently subject to review.

Amidst growing confusion in recent months as to the future of the Pavilion, PACL have this week posted a statement on their website following an online posting which suggested that the Vale council were set to reconsider their plans for the building.

The report also suggested that defeated Conservative election candidate for Cardiff South and Penarth, Bill Rees, had been involved in talks with Vale council leader Cllr John Thomas over the proposals.

A section of the statement reads: “We have not had any communication from the council regarding such a review nor have we had any direct contact with Mr Rees. Nevertheless, we would welcome an opportunity to meet with the Vale council to brief the new administration on the excellent work that we have undertaken at the Pavilion and to share with them our exciting plans for the long term future of the building.”

Concerns have been raised in recent months as to the Pavilion’s future, following the decision to limit public access to the building to four days a week and the current closure of the site’s cinema.

PACL are just four years into a 125 year lease of the building.

Vale council leader John Thomas confirmed that discussions would be held in the near future with PACL, however neither confirmed nor denied that the lease was under formal consideration.

“The council is currently reviewing a range of matters relating to Penarth Pier Pavilion and officers are set to meet with Penarth Arts and Crafts Ltd in the very near future to discuss the best way forward,” said Cllr Thomas.

“The pavilion building is owned by the council and we are keen to see it flourish as we recognise the facilities it provides are greatly valued by the local community.

“This attitude is reflected in the significant sums that have been invested in the pavilion in recent years.

“What is at the forefront of my thinking is that the beneficial use of the building is sustainable into the future and to this end officers from the Vale of Glamorgan Council have met with representatives of PACL frequently over recent months and will continue to do so.

“Once we have a definite way forward, we will of course be in a position to provide further updates.”