Llanfyllin Workhouse has arranged a mortgage holiday and is seeking external funding to help protect its projects during the lockdown.

Like many community facilities and heritage attractions, Llanfyllin Workhouse has been closed to the public since mid-March.

The gates have remained closed and the bunkhouse beds empty during the lockdown, and now trustee John Hainsworth has updated the public on how the site is coping.

Mr Hainsworth said: “The biggest problem confronting Llanfyllin Workhouse is the absence of summer events. Around half the Preservation Trust’s income comes from the summer programme, from music festivals to horse shows.

“All have been cancelled or postponed and private functions have ended too. Interest still needs to be paid on the original purchase loan and workshop rentals cover less than half of regular outgoings.

“As a charity the Trust is not covered by the Business Rates Grant, and it’s not eligible for most schemes aimed at business as it has no employees, only volunteers. But the Trustees recognise that other charities are much worse placed and are playing a more vital role. The Trust has negotiated a mortgage holiday and is seeking some help from the Heritage Emergency Fund which the National Lottery has opened to protect its projects. It’s hoped that some fund-raising events can take place in the autumn.”

Some work has continued – the Dolydd now has 17 rented workshops. Some are let to hobbyists who are staying at home, but for others the workshop is their livelihood.

The new Escape Room, Roomination, has had to close. A Business Rates grant is available to help some small enterprises, and a few are carrying on: Jo Heard of JH Leather is still producing her hand-crafted items for sale online with a special promotion for new customers.