Welsh-Norwegian society launched a petition to stop Cardiff Council turning the Norwegian Church into private business. We headed to the local to find the laetest progress of the campagin.
Local artists are happy to see the people who sign the petition about keeping the Norwegian Church gain a huge increase.
The church has been used partly as an art center, where some local artists can sell hand-made crafts. They are worrying that the church would not maintain public use and their business would be severely affected after the Cardiff Council planned to seek a new tenant for it. Up to now, the signature of the petition has reached 7600.
“I am trying to make a living. We don’t have many venues, especially in the city of Cardiff to promote small Welsh business. And this space here is doing it and we would lose it.
“I understand the council does not want the responsibility of church anymore, but sometimes you gonna promote local things and help small companies.” Linda, an artist from Barry said.
Sylvia as an artist in Cardiff also signed the petition, said: “It is disgusting that they want to turn it into some sort of retail business. This is for the people of Cardiff. That’s why I signed the petition.”
However, Carol who claimed that she did not really know about the petition, shared a different view.
She said: “If the council cannot look after an old important building, it will ruin it. If someone else can do it, then that is a better solution.”
The welsh Norwegian Church put a statement of the concern towards the Norwegian Church Preservation Trust, one of which is to suggest the council’s behavior is not compatible with the charitable objectives.
The spokesperson of the Cardiff council said: “Our primary focus has always been on securing the future of the building so that visitors and residents can enjoy it for years to come. Currently, it is operating at a loss and due to ongoing budget cuts, the Council has to look at new ways of funding the operation.
“The council is hoping to secure a suitable tenant who will appreciate the Church’s iconic status and history in the Bay using both to deliver a fantastic experience for visitors.”
