A RARE and historically important 1930s ballroom in Llanelli has been refused listed status, leaving campaigners disappointed.

The Art Deco Ritz building, on Waunlanyrafon has played host to many noted performers including Dorothy Squires and Jerry Lee Lewis but now houses the Terry Griffiths Matchroom.

People in Llanelli, backed by AM Simon Thomas, have called on it to get protected status.

But CADW, the executive arm of the Welsh Government responsible for granting listed status, said it “fell short of the benchmark” to be listed.

Craig Price, who currently owns the building, said he was “not fussed either way” as he had no plans to make any changes to the building, but campaigners have been left “disappointed”.

“The Ritz is a very important building to Wales,” said Ken Jones of Llanelli Civic Society.

“It is a rare 1930s ballroom and although it has seen internal alterations it still retains its art deco facade.

“Currently buildings that don’t receive listed status are not afforded any protection locally. Hopefully new legislation will now mean important buildings can now be recognised by local authorities and their heritage can be considered as part of local development plans.”

Snooker legend Terry Griffiths ran the building as a snooker hall from 1987 to 2012. Though he relinquished control, it has retained his name with the new owners keeping it as a snooker hall.

Mid and West Wales AM Simon Thomas has raised the issue in the Senedd.

But Deputy Minister for Culture, Ken Skates AM said: “To justify listing a building there should normally be some nationally significant and well preserved quality in the exterior of a building and its physical fabric.

“The building has been assessed for listing twice but it cannot be listed as it does not compare favourably with those benchmark buildings of its type that have been listed.”

Mr Thomas AM agreed the response had been “disappointing”.

He said: “I hope the campaign can persuade the Welsh Government and Cadw to think again.

“Local people feel this is an important piece of Llanelli’s architectural history.”

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James Nicholas