Sir,

My thanks to your correspondent Hywel Probert for giving me the opportunity to explain why the finish on the renovated Community Hall in Jameston will be rendered. The old stonework that has been exposed by hacking off is indeed very attractive to the eye and it is fascinating to see the workmanship that was beneath the render.

However, our architects have advised us that this stonework was never intended to be exposed, it is not facing stone, and cement pointing may come away from the underlying lime mortar. This could lead to damp within the newly-renovated building.

In addition it is much more expensive to point old stonework, and control of costs on a project such as this is very important.

Finally, the planning consent specifies that the finish should be as previously existing. Incidentally, the arched stone over the windows and door always was exposed and will remain so.

If the old Mission Room had been destroyed for development, it would have been sacrilege. But, thanks to a local group, Welsh Government and PLANED grants along with other funding support have saved the building for the community. It will provide a much-needed centre for people to meet and build on the community spirit for which Jameston is well known.

Peter Cooper,

Chairman,

Jameston Community

Association,

Jameston Court,

Jameston.