Safety measures at Theatr Elli
Safety measures have been put in place to protect the public from falling debris at Llanelli’s Theatr Elli.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Property Services were called in last week following reports of loose tiles at the front of the building.
Their investigations have revealed that severe weather may have contributed to the natural decay of the façade tiles.
The teams immediately fenced off the surrounding area, and are currently undertaking remedial action to make the area safe.
None of the theatre or cinema programmes have been affected by the remedial works, and the building is open for business as usual.
Building Services Manager Mark Davies said: “As soon as we were made aware of loose tiles and falling debris, we attended instantly to fence off the area and protect the public.
“Now we have made the area safe, we have been able to carry out an on-site investigation, and have commenced work to remove all loose material.
“Scaffolding and fencing has been used to ensure safe access for members of the public using the theatre.
“Only when we are confident that the building is safe will the scaffolding and fencing be removed.”
Theatr Elli was Grade II listed by Cadw last year on merit of its Art Deco design features.
The building dates back to 1938, when architect Harry Weedon created the Odeon Cinema on the site of a former workingmen’s club.
It was updated in 1972 when it was converted to the Classic Entertainment Centre, and again when it was taken over by Llanelli Borough Council in 1977 and renamed Llanelli Entertainment Centre.
It was re-christened in 1984 as Theatr Elli, and was given a new frontage in 1992.
Currently, the theatre offers an all-year-round programme of commercial film and a wide range of community-generated and professional live events.
Cllr Philip Hughes, executive board member for the Technical Services department, said: “We would like to thank members of the public for their patience and co-operation whilst our team undertakes these essential works at Theatr Elli.”
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Property Services were called in last week following reports of loose tiles at the front of the building.
Their investigations have revealed that severe weather may have contributed to the natural decay of the façade tiles.
The teams immediately fenced off the surrounding area, and are currently undertaking remedial action to make the area safe.
None of the theatre or cinema programmes have been affected by the remedial works, and the building is open for business as usual.
Building Services Manager Mark Davies said: “As soon as we were made aware of loose tiles and falling debris, we attended instantly to fence off the area and protect the public.
“Now we have made the area safe, we have been able to carry out an on-site investigation, and have commenced work to remove all loose material.
“Scaffolding and fencing has been used to ensure safe access for members of the public using the theatre.
“Only when we are confident that the building is safe will the scaffolding and fencing be removed.”
Theatr Elli was Grade II listed by Cadw last year on merit of its Art Deco design features.
The building dates back to 1938, when architect Harry Weedon created the Odeon Cinema on the site of a former workingmen’s club.
It was updated in 1972 when it was converted to the Classic Entertainment Centre, and again when it was taken over by Llanelli Borough Council in 1977 and renamed Llanelli Entertainment Centre.
It was re-christened in 1984 as Theatr Elli, and was given a new frontage in 1992.
Currently, the theatre offers an all-year-round programme of commercial film and a wide range of community-generated and professional live events.
Cllr Philip Hughes, executive board member for the Technical Services department, said: “We would like to thank members of the public for their patience and co-operation whilst our team undertakes these essential works at Theatr Elli.”
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