Campaign groups across Cardiff plan more radical protests in a bid to save much loved services
Activists are planning a sit-in at a council budget meeting next month to protest against
an “assault” on Cardiff’s cultural assets.
Cardiff Council announced plans in December 2022 to privatise St David’s Hall, close the
Museum of Cardiff and to reduce public library opening hours. The council needs to solve a
£23 million hole in its budget.
Last night around 60 people – including members of Cardiff People’s Assembly, Cardiff
Civic Society, local councillors, Senedd members and the public – gathered to strategise
ways to protest against the plans.
Liberal Democrat councillors Jon Shimmin and Rodney Berman were amongst those
attending the meeting, with both calling the council’s plans an “assault” on Welsh culture.
Shimmin announced that the council budget consultation meeting would be held on 9 th
March and among the plans discussed were a protest march followed by an occupation of
Cardiff Central Library.
A spokesperson for Cardiff People’s Assembly told CJS News that “more radical protests
are the only way to get the message across.”
Heled Fychan MS, said “having access to culture is a human right. People need to
write to their councillors and MPs to convey their dismay.”
Fychan said writing to MPs is “one the most effective ways to make people in positions of
power take action”.
“If you stop writing in now, people forget it’s a problem.”
Many attending the meeting spoke passionately about the potential closure of the
Museum of Cardiff. One woman who volunteers at the museum as part of a support group, says “the venue is an essential part of my socialising. I don’t know what I will do without it.”
The council says it recognises the importance these much-loved services have to the
people of Cardiff, but the Cabinet also needs to consider the benefits the cuts could
offerThe plans would free-up more money which could be invested in schools and social
services.