WHEN Powys County Council announced their

intention to dispose of the Market Hall building in

Crickhowell's High Street a group of determined

residents formed a trust.

The Market Hall Trust was set up to preserve the

market for the people of Crickhowell and District.

Trust Chairman Geoff Jackson said, "It has taken more

than two years and a lot of hard work by the trustees

but it all feels worthwhile today."

The building has been brought up to modern

standards with a disabled-access lift, a new under-

floor heating system and redecoration throughout.

The funding of just over £60,000 was sourced from

grants and has not cost the town's residents one

penny.

Crickhowell High Street was abuzz last Saturday

when Viola Evans, Chair of Powys County Council, cut

the ribbon to open the building. She said it was a fine

example of what could be achieved when people

worked together.

On the upper floor the main room, which used to

be a Magistrates' Court, is now home to The

Courtroom Café. This is run by Jane, Carol and Sian,

formerly of The Cheese Press Coffee Shop, who have

been sorely missed by locals and visitors alike.

"We thought the day would never come," said

Jane, "but we are delighted to be back in Crickhowell."

The local charity Tools For Self Reliance Cymru

occupies the smaller room, where a team of women

refurbishes sewing machines to send to Tanzania,

allowing people there to become self reliant.

Chairman Gwyn Dix says new volunteers for the

project are always welcome. With the market on the

ground floor thriving as stallholders open several days

a week the building now has a combination of

charitable use and commercial venture. The income

from these sources means the building will be self-

supporting financially.