Hall's future will be discussed at meeting (From Witney Gazette)

Hall's future will be discussed at meeting

2:48pm Tuesday 7th March 2006 in Witney By Andrew Alexander

THE future of a neglected community hall in Witney, which is under threat, will be discussed at a public meeting next week.

People are being urged to join the fight to save Ceewood Hall, on the Smiths Estate, by attending the event, at the building itself, on Wednesday, March 15, at 7pm.

The meeting has been organised by campaigner Kevin Fowler and district councillor Harriet Ryley.

Ms Ryley said if a decision is made to keep the building open, volunteers will be needed to spruce it up.

She said: "We are hoping people who used to use the hall might come to the meeting, and anyone who is prepared to put on some overalls and do some decorating if we get to that stage.

"We need people who are interested in keeping it open, and not just shut down and moth-balled."

"We are hoping people who used to use the hall might come to the meeting, and anyone who is prepared to put on some overalls and do some decorating if we get to that stage."

Councillor Harriet Ryley

Last month,Witney MP David Cameron stepped in to make sure residents were involved in the future of the hall and to help save its playgroup during a flying visit to Ceewood Hall.

The Tory party leader was in town to listen to residents' concerns and to try to press owners, Shaftesbury Housing Association, into action.

A question mark has been hanging over what will happen to the building for almost two years, leaving parents with children at Ceewood PreSchool Playgroup fearful about its future.

The hall, in Fettiplace Road, was once a popular community facility.

But in recent years, it has become dilapidated, and is only used by the childcare centre.

Councillors, parents, and residents are worried that it is only a matter of time before it is boarded up leaving the playgroup homeless, and the hall prone to vandalism.

Sean Cahill, Shaftesbury spokesman, said the company was working on an 'options appraisal', to find a permanent solution for the hall.

Copies of a petition are in Ceewood Hall and the Witney Gazette office, in Market Square, Witney.

Anyone interested in hiring or saving the building should call Mr Fowler, on 01993 703990.

Witney MP David Cameron has organised a separate, private meeting with key players on March 23.