Labour worried about voting backlash?

An unconfirmed report states that Neath Labour councillors have asked Swansea Coastal Housing, the new freeholders, not to demolish the Empire building until after the council elections on 3rd May 2012.

It is alleged that the councillors are worried about a possible voting backlash if the demolition commences before the election.   If done after the election, the councillors think that memories will fade in the four years before another election takes place. 

It has been arguably said that the Empire is Neath's most loved building with many happy memories attached to it.

A spokesman for Swansea Coastal Housing confirmed that demolition was not imminent and it would be a while before operations commenced.

It also appears that the media is becoming aware of the strong public feeling about the future of the building.

Many residents feel that the demolition of this near heritage, but certainly cherished, building should be referred to the Welsh Assembly.

Click on the above Empire image for more information.