Fury over Bearsden hall closure plans
REACTION has been furious to a council decision to stop lets at Kessington Hall in Bearsden — ahead of its CLOSURE.
One of the coalition Labour/Tory administration budget cuts taken last month was to hand over Kessington Hall for community management — or closure if there was no interest in such management — but the process was to be within a six month timescale.
Opposition councillors are shocked that bookings are already being refused, as are those in the community who knew nothing of the possible closure.
Bearsden councillor Duncan Cumming said: "The administration budget was crafted in such a way that the ugly detail is only now beginning to drip out."
Organisations using the hall include pre-school groups, dance, Taekwondo and other exercise classes, flower and other clubs — not to mention bookings for family occasions from baptisms to weddings.
The Boclair under 5's use the hall three mornings a week with 100 members and Shirley Otley who runs it said: "I know cuts have to be made but Kessington Hall is a community hub — speaking only for our own group, closure would affect mums and dads, grannies and childminders who can presently walk to Kessington — I don't know where they would re-locate."
Livid Councillor Cumming said: "It's a complete disgrace that the administration had the axing of Kessington Hall in the budget in the first place.
"The facilities there represent a front line service in the community and should certainly be remaining in public ownership.
"People are questioning what they get for their money — a town hall is an affordable alternative to fancy hotels as a special occasion venue and vital to clubs and other organisations."
Victor Budas of Burnbrae Resident's Association said: "It's astonishing the council is not accepting bookings.
"How can they expect a community organisation to take over a venture which has no bookings — it sounds as though closure is already on the agenda."
A spokesman for East Dunbartonshire Council said "The asset survey is still underway and community empowerment models are currently being explored.
"Once options for community empowerment have been identified, a consultation exercise will be carried out."
There was no explanation offered as to why lets were presently being refused.
Bearsden Councillor Ian Mackay said: "We recognise some rationalisation has to occur but you can't draw conclusions unless you have the details of your options."
He added since the asset survey is still underway and no consultation has yet taken place it "beggars belief" that lets are being turned down.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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