�100k repairs to cemetery chapels

The chapels were built for �5,300 in 1859

Repairs worth around �100,000 will be made to two Grade II-listed chapels in a Victorian cemetery in Cardiff.

The city's council will be paying for the repair work in Cathays Cemetery which was opened in 1859.

It is hoped more money will be found for the full restoration of the chapel buildings but the repair work will stop further deterioration in the meantime.

The cemetery covers more than 100 acres and civic leaders and influential families are buried there.

The gothic perpendicular-style twin chapels with central bell tower were built by RG Thomas of Newport and Thomas Waring of Cardiff at a cost of �5,300 in the same year as the cemetery was opened.

One chapel was used for Anglican services while the other was used by Non-Conformists.

Council executive member covering culture Nigel Howells, said: "We are very grateful to the Cathays Cemetery friends group in supporting the restoration of the chapels which are important monuments in the history of the city.

"Discussions on the long term solutions for the sustainable use of the buildings are ongoing and we will continue to work with the Friends to ensure a positive use for the chapels once future funding becomes available."

John Farnhill of the Cathays Cemetery Friends Group, said: "We are really encouraged that the council is taking on board the importance of these buildings.

"It has been one of our key aims to see the chapels conserved and hopefully restored."

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