Mother forced to use foodbank days before Christmas after arts centre closure

A young mother from Pontypridd has described how she was forced to use a foodbank after the arts centre where she worked suddenly closed days before Christmas

Jodie Tomaszewski was a trainee manager at the Muni Arts Centre when it announced it was shutting due to financial difficulties on the 22nd December.

Jodie and her colleagues say they haven't received their full wages and have been unable to claim redundancy pay.

"I'd booked pantomimes over Christmas and events for the kids to see Santa, and then I didn't know if I could afford the petrol to go there," said Jodie.

The Muni Arts Centre has been a landmark in Pontypridd for decades. A converted chapel which has welcomed Tom Jones and 10CC to its stage.

But in recent months there have been signs of neglect, with the trust running the centre going into liquidation at the end of December.

Rhondda Tynon Taf County Borough Council has now taken ownership of the building. It says it's had offers from various groups looking to run the centre and will help it re-open "as soon as practically possible".

However it still could be several months before the Muni Arts Centre is in a position to open, and it's unclear if staff will be able to return to their jobs.