Loss of Public Halls Unacceptable

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 10th Sep 2003

The Public Halls and function rooms, used by numerous local societies and organisation, in the Bromley's Central Library building will close if a decision currently being consulted on goes ahead.

Chris Maines

"Affordable venues for local groups are difficult to find, these are well used and a valuable community asset." says Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Chris Maines.

The complex of halls and rooms, which are situated above the Library in central Bromley are needed for additional office space for a new Leisure Trust. The Trust is being formed by Bromley Council to take over it's Leisure Services department, it will be an arms length organisation which aims to maximise tax exemptions available for such trusts.

"I am opposed to public organisations looking for tax avoidance schemes, when they have to close facilities to achieve this, it questions the whole purpose of the scheme." said Cllr Chris Maines.

"These halls are used for a huge variety of events, hundreds of local residents attend these accessible halls and once lost they will not be replaced. The hire revenue that will be lost, estimate to be several thousands of pounds, has not been factored into the savings predicted by the Trust. I urge local residents to respond to the Council's Consultation and oppose this suggestion," said Cllr Maines, who pledged that the Liberal Democrats would fight to keep the halls.