REFORM UK James McMurdock is concerned by early reports of East Tilbury Village Hall Closure.
The community group who run the East Tilbury Village Hall has contacted James McMurdock MP warning that Thurrock Council is trying to impose punitive changes to their lease agreement. These changes would make the effective operation of the hall entirely unaffordable. This could force the community hall to close.
James McMurdock MP said: “I have written to both the community group and Thurrock Council to get more information on these plans, requesting an urgent response.
National plans by the Labour Party to remove the Winter Fuel Payment from 90% of pensioners is shocking, as is the potential removal of bus passes. The elderly in our community should not need to brave an attack from the Labour Party at the local level as well.
“Loss of this community asset will leave vulnerable people isolated and leave another building empty, neglected, and to make things worse, this will further reduce revenue into the stricken council.
“This is the latest example of the secondary effects the catastrophic investment scandal is having on our community.
“I’m very concerned that the wonderful community groups in East Tilbury will be forced to close due to the Council’s actions.
“We need our community active and engaged. Ripping them off and forcing them out with poorly thought-out lease terms makes quality of life in the community worse and the council poorer.
“The Council has told the group that there is no money available to carry out the essential repairs on the council owned building. It appears the council are forcing the hall into a corner which will likely lead to the closure of yet another community asset.”
Typical, friend of my son leased a shop in Grays, but did not want the offices/flat above the shop. Council said ok. Three years later lease renewal was due, he was told that he had to take the office/flat above the shop, he refused. Was then told take it or go, knowing full well that he had no where to go, or time to sell his extensive stock. Wrong, he left taking everything of his. The shop and flat above stayed empty for several years, the new lease holders just took the shop, Office/flat above still empty. How much did they loose? Something is better than nothing…..