The Albert Hall in Llandrindod Wells has launched a £12,000 fundraiser to refurbish its toilets.

The fundraiser set up by the venue says: “If you’ve been to The Albert Hall to see a show in recent years, and have got caught short, and needed to do a performance of your own, you will have noticed that our throne rooms (toilets) are in need of some tender loving care. Unlike the rest of the building, which is growing old gracefully, our toilet facilities are in urgent need of refurbishment.”

Under coronavirus restrictions, the Albert Hall has remained closed since March.

“This has seen almost all of our income disappear overnight, and with the installation of our new boiler last year, our reserves have been depleted,” the petition says,

“We thought we would use this time wisely, to make repairs, and improvements to our beautiful building. Unfortunately, we have been unable to access any grants to do this, so we are using this campaign to try and raise the much-needed funds, to refurbish our loos.”

The Albert Hall is owned by the community in Llandrindod and is managed by a small team of volunteers.

“If you’re able to donate, it would be greatly appreciated, and you’d be helping us to keep the doors open, of Mid Wales’s oldest theatre,” the fundraiser adds.

However, the Albert Hall has not only appealed for funding to help refurbish its toilets, but also to keep it alive altogether during these difficult times.

Llandrindod Wells Councillor Jon Williams, who is also the chair of The Albert Hall, has encouraged people to donate any spare cash they might have.

He said: “The Albert Hall, like so many theatres, is sitting empty at the moment. The lights are off, the music has stopped and the seats are collecting dust, and until we get clear guidance from the government on a reopening roadmap, that is how it will remain.

“However, we remain optimistic and resilient, and as theatres all over the country go red tonight, we remain united.

“If you can, please support your local theatre. A lot of community venues – The Albert Hall included – are registered charities. We know times are tough, but if you can spare anything, your donations could make a huge difference.”