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The plans were agreed by the conservative Cabinet body last month and will see the hall, which is used by a playgroup and senior citizens group, closed by April next year and the asset sold off. The plans have sparked protests from users and councilors alike. The decision has been 'called in' by the Residents' Association, supported by other opposition groups, which means that the decision cannot be acted upon until it is considered by the Towns and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 14th November. Cllr Barbara Mathews (RA, Hacton) argued that its closure would have a negative impact on young people in the area. She said; “I would have thought that in this day and age of the big society, we would be encouraging people to be good citizens and should be encouraging more young people to use this hall. “The hall is right in the middle of an estate and a lot of the problems that happened with the riots were because of disadvantaged youngsters, so if we close down the hall they will have no facilities to use.” “I agree that we have to make savings but we seem to be closing down a hall that is very well attended.” The proposals also include the demolition of the Old Windmill Hall, due to health and safety reasons, and for refurbishment works to be carried out at the New Windmill Hall and Tweed Way Hall. Although the plan is to allow for the transfer of management to community groups at the New Windmill Hall and Tweed Hall, it is of considerable concern that if no lessee can be found the halls will close. 5.11.11 |
The future of council run Community Halls in the borough have been thrown into doubt by the Council's decision to sell off Dukes Hall in Hornchurch.