Chapel gutted by fire 'close' to receiving funding to reopen

The pastor of a Merthyr Tydfil chapel "gutted" by a fire has said it was close to receiving funding to reopen to the community.

Pastor Dave Pritchard said he was "sad" to see Capel Aberfan following the fire on Saturday.

He said work had been ongoing to secure funding for its regeneration.

People living in the street have been allowed back into their homes and an investigation into the cause of the fire is continuing.

The internal structure of the chapel, built in 1876, was completely destroyed by the blaze which broke out at 01:50 BST.

The chapel was used as a temporary mortuary following the Aberfan disaster in 1966 and housed a memorial organ.

Some neighbouring properties were evacuated as a precaution while firefighters tackled the blaze, but the building has now been made safe.

There are concerns that Capel Aberfan may now have to be knocked down

An assessment is due to be carried out to determine what demolition work will be needed.

South Wales Police are working with the fire service to establish the cause of the fire.

Merthyr Vale councillor Darren Roberts said the building had been "totally gutted".

Although the chapel closed in 2012, occasional services still took place and renovations were ongoing to try and modernise it and bring it back into community use.

Firefighters spent the night battling the blaze

The inside of the chapel was described as being "totally gutted"

Capel Aberfan closed in 2012, but was still being used for occasional services