Two bosses of a troubled Builth Wells arts centre, who resigned two weeks ago, are back in post after trustees accepted their proposal to return.
Wyeside chief executive and artistic director Guy Roderick and his wife Jess Hall, administrative and finance officer, announced in February that they would be leaving at the end of March.
No reasons were given for their departure at the time, but their announcement came just two weeks after it was revealed that the centre, which houses one of the oldest cinemas in Wales, may have to close in September because of financial difficulties.
At a Board meeting on Monday, trustees accepted Guy and Jess’ proposal that they continue to work at the Wyeside on a part-time basis and that there should be changes to the staffing structure.
Chairman of the Trustees, Julian Gibson-Watt, said: “The trustees have accepted a proposal that Guy and Jess made that they should continue to work part-time at Wyeside and there should be changes to the staffing structure.
“They will be working for two days a week each and it is a short term measure. We expect to possibly take on someone else in a management role as part of the changes to the staffing structure.”
The trustees paid tribute to Guy and Jess’ work when they resigned and took immediate steps to advertise for an experienced interim manager and administrator/finance office.
“We have had some interest in the posts but we are not continuing with that process,” said Mr Gibson-Watt. “It was Guy and Jess’ proposal and the trustees were happy to accept it.
It’s been a difficult situation but we feel we can confidently move on now.”
Guy has been in charge of the Wyeside for 11 years and his wife has been in position for eight.
The pair, who are well versed in the financial fight the centre has endured over the last few years, are faced with another battle this year. The centre was saved in 2009 by an emergency cash handout from Powys County Council but it has been given indications that only receive standstill funding will now be forthcoming from the council and the Arts Council for Wales.
In addition, Builth Wells Town Council agreed at a meeting on Tuesday to defer a decision on a £5,000 grant pending a presentation by Mr Gibson-Watt on the situation at the Wyeside.