Councillors block free use of Town Hall for charities
In a lengthy debate last night in the council chamber, councillors discussed an application from the British Legion to hire the Town Hall for two days for events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day in June.
Stand-in Chair, Cllr Billy Spencer, urged councillors to support saying: “It’s a big event, the 80th year, so how would it look if we didn’t support it, with events being held up and down the country?”
But while wanting to back the event, councillors took a cautious approach with several voicing concerns that it could open the floodgates, especially after recently agreeing to let the facility for free to the town’s 1940s Weekend organisers.
“I have serious concerns,” said Cllr Phil Pritchard. “We will end up having umpteen requests, so if another charity comes along, how can we say no? I firmly believe we should say no to this.”
Cllr Phil Owen called for a policy to be put into place, while Cllr David France warned of “inconsistency if we do it for one group, but not another”.
Cllr Alison Davies proposed that on this occasion, as it was an important milestone event, the Town Council should partner with the British Legion and offer the facility for half price.
The proposal was back by a vote of 7-4.
The 80th Anniversary of D-Day will take place on June 6.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|