Council says fire damaged Port Talbot chapel ‘not in immediate danger of collapse’

Neath Port Talbot Council has sought to reassure residents on the condition of the fire ravaged Bethany English Calvinistic Methodist Chapel in Port Talbot.

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The fire ravaged Bethany English Calvinistic Methodist Chapel in Port Talbot. Neath Port Talbot Council

Neath Port Talbot Council have said that a safety cordon will remain around the fire damaged Bethany English Calvinistic Methodist Chapel in Port Talbot.

The council says it has removed loose material from the building, but there is no immediate danger of collapse.

Forge Road and Station Road remain open to the public.

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A council spokesperson said: “On Friday (25th April 2025), the Council used emergency powers available to it under section 78 of The Building Act (Dangerous Building – emergency measures)  and took action immediately in removing any loose materials from the building and erecting a steel fence safety cordon around the building.  Building Control, assisted by the Council’s Structural Engineers, have made an initial assessment of the remaining masonry structure and are of the opinion that it is not in immediate danger of collapse.

“The Council is currently in dialogue with the building owner relating to further works required to secure the long term safety of the building, and will monitor the building’s condition closely over the coming weeks.  Whilst the cordon remains in place, there are currently no plans to close either Forge Road or Station Road.”

Police arrested two boys aged 14 and 15 in connection with the fire, which at its height saw six fire appliances including a specialist turntable ladder appliance tackling the blaze.

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The fire came just days after a large empty school building near Penlan was also “deliberately” set on fire.

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