Community launches takeover bid for centre
The people of St Leonards want to take control
A new lease of life could be breathed into an empty hall thanks to the local community.
St Leonard’s Community Council along with support from East Kilbride councillors want to take-over the community hall next to the library.
It currently belongs to South Lanarkshire Council but has not been used of let for a number of years.
But an asset transfer could again see the once busy hall at the heart of the community.
East Kilbride YM – as part of East Kilbride United in conjunction with East Kilbride
YC – recently secured the Community Asset Transfer from South Lanarkshire Council for the next 25 years for Kirktonholme playing fields and pavilion.
And now St Leonard’s Community Council are keen to gauge support for their plans for the hall and also to get people on board as part of a committee to run the hall if successful.
Karen McMillan, vice chair of the community council, told the News: “The hall has been lying empty for seven or eight years now despite the fact it was once extremely well used by a whole host of groups.
“A lot of clubs, particularly for older folk have been closing down since, which is a real shame.
“It’s a massive asset to the community but at the minute is just lying empty and slowly going to wrack and ruin ”
She went on: “We are looking to see if we can do an asset transfer but we need to first of all show there is a demand for it, so I am keen to hear from folk about what they would like to see the hall used for or groups who would want to use it.
“I also need around 10 or 12 volunteers to help with the running of the hall so if you think you could lend some support please get in touch.”
Independent Councillor Jim Wardhaugh is backing the scheme.
He said: “There is a lot of potential there.
“The hall is central, there are bus services to it and I believe the Council would be open to an asset transfer as at the minute the hall is costing them money. As far as I am aware its effectively being used as a store room.
“But first of all we need to see if there is demand out there and how much it would cost to run.”
While Labour Councillor, Joe Fagan said: “For a whole range of reasons, St Leonards Community Hall has become an under-used asset.
“If the community is coming forward with a credible, achievable proposal to breathe new life into the building then the Council should certainly consider it.”
The SNP’s Councillor Gladys Miller also lent her support saying it was “a wonderful idea from the Community Council”.
And fellow SNP Councillor Hugh MacDonald said he would be “in favour of the hall coming into community hands to manage and promote for local residents to use”.
To find out more go to the watchdog’s Facebook page – www.facebook.com/stleonardscommunitycouncil – or to share ideas or become involved email stleonardcc@mail.com