PEOPLE power is being harnessed to ensure Crickhowell’s long-running Corn Exchange fight is finally won.

An appeal went out this week for more volunteers to offer their professional skills so the High Street pub can be converted into flats and small shops instead of a supermarket run by a national chain.

The community-led action group - Corn Exchange Community Investment Group (CECIG) - has already secured public funds to buy the building if owners Punch Taverns will accept a reasonable offer. But they are short of extra finances to execute the conversion.

And that’s were the call to arms comes in.

CECIG chairman Dean Christy explained, “We have been amazed by the generosity of those people who are prepared to give their own money to buy The Corn Exchange and protect the character of The High Street.

“We have a week to put together our offer to Punch and still need more funds. But we are also aware that there are some people who can’t or don’t want to give money but may be willing to help in other ways – some people have already approached us with offers of help and we want to give others a chance to help.”

CECIG particularly wants to hear from skilled professionals like builders, plumbers, electricians and painter/decorators willing to work for free or at a reduced rate to make the project work.

Mr Christy promised, “Crickhowell’s campaign to buy The Corn Exchange and protect its High Street is already attracting a lot of publicity and we would make sure that anyone who helped make this dream become a reality got plenty of recognition for their efforts.”

He added, “Knowing that we have the backing of skilled local people will give us the confidence to buy The Corn Exchange - knowing we have people on hand to help convert it.”

CECIG is considering paying a permanent tribute to volunteers by recording their names on a plaque on the wall of the refurbished building.

Project managers, accountants, lawyers and communications experts are already donating their time to raise funds.

Mr Christy said, “We have to buy the building first. For safety reasons some work will have to be carried out by a single main contractor.

“But there will be times when anyone willing to pick up a paintbrush or a broom can join in. We will find a way to make that happen.”

• Anyone interested in joining The Corn Exchange ‘Big Build’ is asked to email [email protected] where their name will be entered into a database ready for action.