Council takes steps to protect public from ‘risks’ of historic building ruin after blaze

Dale Spridgeon, local democracy reporter

A council has confirmed it is taking measures to protect the public from dangers posed by the ruins of an historic building after it was destroyed in a blaze last year.

Formerly one of Llangefni’s most notable buildings, Anglesey’s Old Shire Hall was burned out at the end of last year.

Emergency services were called shortly before 10pm, on December 17, 2023, to Glanhwfa Road, as flames ripped through the derelict building.

Around five crews and specialist teams attended the scene and fire-fighters worked through the night to control the flames.

Grade II listed

Grade II listed, the Shire Hall had once served as the headquarters of Anglesey County Council but it has been in private ownership for a number of years.

Sadly, the vacant and deteriorating building had became a target for vandals over recent years.

The striking building had been previously described as a “good example” of a late 19th-century civic building but had sadly gone into decline.

At its front of the building is a Cenotaph, a Grade 2 listed war memorial built in the 1920s to commemorate the men of the parish who fell in the First World War.

Back in March, 2023, a full planning application had been received by Anglesey county council planners to convert the building into seven residential units.

But since the fire, the council said it had taken measures to protect the public from any any potential falling building materials which might cause damage or injury.

Owners

It has worked to mitigate any risks to the public and says it is liaising with the building’s owners, under sections 77/78 of The Building Act, 1984. Section 77 of the act, empowers local authorities (and district councils) to deal with a building or structure in a dangerous condition.

If immediate action is needed to remove danger, such as a wall that could collapse, Section 78 of the Act also gives power to remove any danger by the structure being demolished or barricaded off.

A spokesperson for the Isle of Anglesey County Council said: “The Old Shire Hall building in Llangefni has been in private ownership for a number of years.

“It was damaged by a large fire on Sunday, December 17. As there was a risk of building materials falling and causing damage or injury, the Isle of Anglesey County Council took steps to mitigate the risks to the public. The following mitigations remain in place:

“Access from Glanhwfa Road to the car park of the Old Shire Hall (by the rugby club) is closed to vehicles. The public footpath which runs from Glanhwfa Road, between the Old Shire Hall and Moreia Chapel and over the footbridge has been closed via an emergency closure order.

“The County Council’s Building Control Section is liaising with the owner of the building under sections 77/78 of The Building Act 1984.”