Small victory in campaign to save hall from closure
Councillors who blasted the “undemocratic” decision to close a much-loved community hall in Park Wood may have won a temporary reprieve.
Heather House, in Bicknor Road, could close by Thursday, November 30 despite a petition to save it.
It is understood last month a council officer determined the hall should be shut because of a £20,000 repair bill.
The decision only came to light when bookings to use the hall were blocked after the end of October.
It is used by several groups, including the YMCA and the short mat bowls club.
Cllr Matt Burton has been calling for Maidstone Borough Council to reverse the decision or to keep it open until an alternative site can be found.
He said: “I think the crux of this is there isn’t really anything else like this around Park Wood and this is a particularly important as it is one of the most deprived areas of our borough and not everyone can go elsewhere.”
It is understood the council could also close the British Legion Hall, also in Bicknor Road, for housing and use contributions from the developer to fund a new hall.
Cllr Gary Cooke, who also opposes closure, said officers have already been in touch with Golding Homes and had discussions with planners.
He said: “I am delighted the council seems to have become engaged with this and have pulled back from the decision that one officer seems to be making on behalf of everyone and will now be subject to proper scrutiny and evaluation. I trust they will find a way to keep Heather House open until the community has a suitable alternative.”
A petition set up by Cllr Burton has more than 500 signatures.
It will be presented to the communities, housing and environment committee for debate at the Town Hall in Jubilee Square on Tuesday.
The meeting begins at 6.30pm and is open to the public. To view the petition visit https//tinyurl.com/heather17