‘CRITICAL work’ to keep a well used village hall open has been given the green light by council finance bosses.
South Derbyshire District Council revealed that it will spend £25,000 to repair a host of problems at Netherseal Village Hall, based in Main Street.
The cash was allocated after a survey showed that work on the site was ‘urgently needed’ and ‘significant’.
A report stated: “It was reported that urgent and significant repairs that were the responsibility of the district council were required at Netherseal Village Hall.
“Capital monies to undertake such were originally set aside within the capital programme, but were dependent on the parish council signing up to a long, full repairing lease.
“The parish council was unable to accept this responsibility, but the works were still required.
“Approval was therefore sought to utilise the capital, properly maintain and secure the building, and therefore meet council obligations while continuing with the existing lease arrangements
“Full details were provided on the lease terms and existing tenancy arrangements.
“It is estimated that £22,000 was necessary for the existing works, however, there may have been additional deterioration, so the recommendation was to set aside up to £25,000 for this work.
“Background was provided on a review of leases in 2003 and recommendations made at the time.
“The detail of this report explained the process undertaken to identify these urgent repairs.
“It was said that reports on the condition of the hall should now be submitted to the council’s housing and community services committee.”
The council’s finance and management committee approved the repairs.
More information about the village hall is available by visiting www.neterseal.btck.co.uk
