Conservative councillor, Sheila Murphy has called for residents of Herongate to be properly consulted and involved on the future of the local village hall, ahead of any Council decision on whether to sell it off.
With the Hall now without formal trustees, Brentwood Council has assumed responsibility and is looking at the future of the site.
Sheila said, ““The Hall is in a poor state of repair and we do need to look at how best to take the site forward. I firmly believe that a good village hall could benefit the local community and there may be opportunities that would also help our village museum too. I have asked Russell Quirk, the Chairman of the Council’s Asset and Enterprise Panel for a meeting to discuss how this may be achieved along with his intentions for the site. Key to my position is how the village will be consulted, before any decision is made. Unfortunately, despite initial correspondence on the subject, he appears to be reluctant to meet and discuss properly. This is disappointing to say the least,”
The item is on the agenda for the next Asset and Enterprise Panel on Wednesday 17th September and Sheila has asked for this to be deferred until a meeting has taken place.
She added, “Deferring the item until the November Panel will allow us all time to look at this properly and in conjunction with the Parish Council and local residents. It is wrong to try and railroad the item through. The Chairman may refuse to meet to discuss how residents’ views will be taken on board by the Council, but I will be doing my own consultation and asking them directly.”
Sheila has written to residents in the village, outlining the situation and asking for their thoughts. She is keen to hear from local people with any comments they may have.
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Contacts:
Sheila Murphy: Sheila.Murphy@brentwood.gov.uk, 07446 068293