We would like to give an update following our announcement of the very difficult decision to cease operating the Village Hall. This is in response to some questions that have been raised.
- This applies to the Hall only — not to the Memorial Library. We are in discussions with Albury Estate about continuing to operate the Memorial Library.
- We will shortly publish material explaining why this decision had to be taken. The net cost over the last three years has been between £4,000 and £11,000 per annum, and was forecast to be over £6,000 next year. For an organisation whose income from the Council Tax payer is approximately £50,000 a year (of which around £30,000 is operating costs - primarily the Parish Clerk), this is not sustainable.
- Our reserves this year are forecast to reach the minimum recommended level of around £26,000, which will almost certainly be commented on in the audit.
- Many other parish councils own their facilities or have them held in trust. We rent the Hall, which was refurbished and modernised by the Estate in 1993, at a concessionary rent but are responsible for decoration & internal repairs
- Although the Parish Council cannot continue to operate the Hall, we would be very happy to work with any other parties interested in taking it over.
On a final point, we would like to stress that the Albury Estate has not driven this decision. They have been, and will continue to be, a key partner for the Parish Council, and we are grateful for their assistance and contributions.