It has been suggested that the decision to repurpose the old Abergavenny library building as a Mosque is inappropriate, according to a Conservative MS.

Laura Ann Jones, the Member of the Senedd for South East Wales, has questioned Monmouthshire County Council’s decision to grant a 30-year-lease to the Monmouthshire Muslim Community Association for use as a mosque and community centre.

“This historic library building is a treasured part of Abergavenny’s civic heritage and I believe it would have been far more appropriate to create an all faith space,” Ms Jones said.

“I’m deeply concerned that this beautiful Carnegie library will now be dedicated to one group only”

“While this may meet the needs of one section of our diverse community, it risks excluding others.”

There is already a space designated for use by different religious communities in Abergavenny at St Michael’s Centre, which has been used by the Monmouthshire Muslim Community Association since 2021.

Concerns have been raised about the future of the historic building, situated on the corner of Baker Street and Library Square, and whether its new intended use is the best way for the community to benefit from it.

Critics have hit out at Monmouthshire County Council for giving the MMCA a three decade lease on the building, with Ms Jones echoing the questions over the length of that period.

“A 30-year term is a major commitment – a lot can change in that time,” she said.

“Why was this not subjected to wider consultation? Where was the public engagement? A decision of this scale should not be made without fully involving the community it affects.”

“People in Abergavenny care deeply about this building and its future. They deserved to have their voices heard before a long-term decision like this was taken behind closed doors.”