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Search forLet's sell off the town hall, says councillor
Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 16:15
The historic building was completed in 1888, when it was known as the Molesworth Hall and for over a century has been a focal point for local events.
The building was built for £3,000 but now costs up to £130,000 a year in maintenance.
The town council, which owns the building, is currently searching through its legal documents to see if it may be possible to sell off the town hall and make financial savings.
If it is sold to a private developer, the town council may move into a planned children's centre at Egloshayle.
The suggestion to sell off the hall has come from Cllr Steve Knightley who believes it would be a sensible way to alleviate the council's large financial commitment for the upkeep of the building.
But some councillors have already raised concerns, noting the building's historic importance to the town.
Former mayor Carole Buchanan said: "I completely object to the suggestion of selling the town hall. Not only is it an historical building but it is used by so many people and is a focal point in the town. It would be a disaster if it was sold."
The large Victorian building is used as a venue by a variety of local organisations that hold annual garden shows, charity events and theatre productions. It is also the main venue for Wadebridge Folk Festival.
Mrs Buchanan said: "The town council should be based in the town hall. It is in the centre of Wadebridge and should not have to be moved to Egloshayle. I am really concerned that the sale of such a prominent and important building is even being considered."
Cllr Scott Mann is also angry about the suggestion. He said: "It would be shocking if the town hall was sold – it is an integral part of Wadebridge.
"We know that the town council's finances are in a bad way at the moment but instead of selling the town hall we should be looking at increasing car parking charges or cutting staff levels." Councillor Knightley has also said that the town hall is not disabled-user friendly and by moving to a modern building, more people could talk to the council.
Town clerk Elizabeth Banfield has been instructed to recover the deeds for the building to see if the council is allowed to sell the town hall or whether it was gifted to the people of Wadebridge, in which case councillors may be prohibited from disposing of the hall.
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