Is it all being done on behalf of the dramatic society?
Key features of the proposals require the Dramatic society to give
up one night per week in the main hall, and to relinquish the
storage room in the Leven room to return it to a lettable state.
The phase 3 proposals will enable at least one room to be available
during shows thus avoiding the current disruptions to other
societies. The Stage is not being improved at all and there are no
benefits to the dramatic society.
Why were the defects not covered by insurance?
The current insurance policy was taken out as a result of the
recommendations of the YRCC which is a major advice centre for
village halls. The new policy did not cover subsidence. Of the
three structural surveys which have been done, only the first said
it was due to tree roots. Subsequent experts, supported by further
detailed inspection say it was simply due to the original design.
An insurance claim would therefore have been unlikely to
succeed.
What are the disability act requirements?
By October 2004 all parts of public buildings have to be accessible
to all. Any lesser scheme than lowering the floor would not have
provided unlimited access.
Isn't the scheme over ambitious?
The very nature of the structural and disability access problems
require a significant project to correct. The additional work at
the rear of the premises is partly to cure leakage and vandalism
problems but also to provide modern facilities for the whole
village. If the hall is to have a viable future it must meet the
requirements of modern users.
Shouldn't the Village Hall Management Committee should be
responsible to the Parish Council?
The Parish Council own the land in trust but a separate management
Committee was established to achieve charitable status for the
Hall. The Parish Council has a representative on it by right. As a
result of the recent discussions the chairman of the PC is
discussing increased representation for the PC on the Management
Committee
Why does the disability access problem require the demolition
of the whole?
It doesn't - none of the hall is being demolished- only the roof
structure is being replaced,
Why do we need an additional room at the back?
The current hall suffers not only from its physical defects but
also the fact that its income has been falling due to the
difficulty in lettings at the same time as costs are going up
because of increasing maintenance. Both issues have to be tackled
and the third room at the rear is a key requirement for increasing
lettabiity. It will provide an attractive room for new clubs and
societies and there are already interested parties wanting to use
it. The third room will mean that there will be less interruptions
to regular users when shows are on and it will release the main
hall for a larger activity one night per week. It will also be very
attractive for general lettings such as children's parties, wedding
receptions etc.
Isn't it going to compete with other venues in the
Village?
While there is bound to be a little overlap, the refurbished hall
will generally cater for larger events and activities for which
there are no alternative venues.
Do we really need a theatre in a village this size?
The refurbished hall will not be a theatre any more than the
existing hall. Work is not being carried out with that intention.
The additional facilities being created, such as reasonable
entrance foyer, additional toilets and additional storage, are all
for the benefit of all users and to improve the general
lettability.
What accountability does the Village Hall Management
Committee have to the Parish Council?
The Land on which the Hall sits is owned in trust by the Parish
Council who are the holding Trustees of the Hall. The Village Hall
is a charity with the Hall management Committee as trustees. The
constitution of the Hall requires that the Parish Council have a
seat on the Management Committee. While, because of the Charitable
status, the Parish Council can not 'control' the Hall Management
Committee, discussions are in hand to increase the
representation.
How much will the Village Hall pay back of the
loan?
Discussions are in hand with the Parish Council. The amount paid
back will depend on how successfully the income is increased but a
target of £3500-£5000 is likely. In deciding the
consequences of the loan, the Parish Council has had to take a
worst-case scenario. The figures quoted for the maximum effect on
precept assumed therefore that nothing would be paid back. In
reality there will be sums paid back and this will reduce the
Parish Precept.
Where are the accounts of the village hall made
public?
Accounts are published annually at the annual general meeting of
the Village Hall which all residents are entitled to attend.
Notices of the annual general meeting are published in the SPAR and
on notice boards. Back copies of the accounts are available through
the web page and in a folder in the Post office.
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