I Have Been Campaigning For A Community Hall For 17 Years
THE Soham Community Facilities audit and an assessment of current usage were commissioned by Soham Town Council in December 2007. The brief also called for an investigation of need not currently being met by the existing provision. The consultants view
THE Soham Community Facilities audit and an assessment of current usage were commissioned by Soham Town Council in December 2007.
The brief also called for an investigation of need not currently being met by the existing provision.
The consultants' view was that there is a need for a properly equipped, modern venue, that would be suitable for private parties, community events and functions for up to 180 people. Purchase of a copy of the results may be obtained from Soham Town Council for a £5 fee.
At the meeting of Soham Town Council in June a working party was established to consider the implications of the Community Facilities Audit. A working party of six members were nominated, including councillors Chris Palmer, Anne Tuite, Peggy Gibbon, George Ginn, Tony Hinsley and Julie Webb.
I am of the opinion that it would be helpful to involve Suzanne Goff, East Cambs District Council's corporate strategy development officer for community, and Philip Peacock of Cambridgeshire ACRE when applying for any available grants.
There is a considerable amount of section 106 money coming from the developers of the building sites at Lion Mills, the old Griggs transport yard and the church hall. These funds are committed to community use and it would seem appropriate to use the money for the construction of a new community hall in Soham.
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Planning permission was granted by East Cambridgeshire District Council on July 2 for the demolition of the church hall and construction of 13 homes. I would like to convey my thanks to Wicken Parish Council and Isleham Parish Council for their support, particularly district councillor for Isleham Derrick Beckett. It is a pity there are not more independently thinking councillors instead of the Conservative majority who cannot think for themselves.
For the 17 years that I have been an elected councillor I have been campaigning for a new community hall for Soham and the re-opening of our station - surely the time has come.
PEGGY GIBBON
Soham
