THE popular bookshop at the Dylan Thomas Centre closes today, ahead of an announcement on the venue's long-term future.

Swansea Council is on the verge of signing of a deal with the University of Wales to take over the running of the venue.

Ahead of the deal, staff at the centre have been redeployed.

And after finding them jobs elsewhere, signs in the bookshop last week told visitors it was closing due to "staff shortages".

The move has been criticised by some members of the Save the Dylan Thomas Centre campaign, who argue the venue should be a focal point of the centenary celebrations of the poet's birth in 2014.

Campaigners, supported by more than 1,200 signatories — including writer Russell T Davies, Poet Nigel Jenkins, actor Michael Sheen and singer Cerys Matthews — have said they are concerned over what facilities will be available to visitors following the closure of the bookshop, and have raised questions over the bar and catering service.

The University of Wales is being rebranded in a merger with Trinity St David and Swansea Metropolitan universities.

Its plans for the centre will see it become the home for the Dylan Thomas Prize, the world's highest cash prize for young writers. It will also retain its name and the exhibition celebrating the life of the poet, as well as providing office space for "creative companies".

But campaigner Wyn Thomas said: "This is a let- down for the friends of Dylan Thomas, but also for the community in Swansea.

Atmosphere

"There is going to be little to offer the public when the bookshop closes, apart from the exhibition.

"It had a beautiful atmosphere and people came to discuss Dylan, film and all sorts.

Swansea Council, which has not approached any other groups over a potential deal to run the centre, said a deal was expected to be announced imminently.

A spokesman said: "Negotiations on an agreement alongside the University of Wales to secure the future of the Dylan Thomas Centre are at an advanced stage and an announcement will soon be made.

"Some staff at the centre are being redeployed.

"The success of the redeployment process so far means the bookshop at the centre will be closing from Monday."

Swansea West MP Geraint Davies has been seeking support from the Tourism Minister ahead of the Dylan Thomas centenary.

He said: "I want assurances that Swansea will get the support it needs to make the celebrations a success and increase tourism in the city and surrounding area."

nino.williams@swwmedia.co.uk