Separate good from the poor
In recent weeks there has been much discussion about developments in Lewes.
While it is laudable to safeguard our historic townscape we must be careful to distinguish between preservation and conservation. We should keep what is 'good' but sensitively develop what is 'poor'.
In question the old O'Donnell Hall comes into the 'poor' category. Having endeavoured, for many years, to keep the building operational I can assure you that most of the structure has come to the end of its useful life.
Even with very many thousands of pounds spent on a restoration it would still be a 'poor' building as the design is a bad use of space and contravenes many requirements for a building in public use.
The clamour about loss of a community hall is unfounded as it was hardly used when it was operational.
As part of the planning requirement the facility has been transferred to the excellent new 'Cluny' halls at St Pancras, Irelands Lane, not many metres away.
As you may recall, some years ago, your 'Rouser' column told us that this triangular site was the burial ground for the Battle of Lewes and the pauper's grave.
He recalled that the last known Lewes vampire was buried there complete with a very long stake. Being too long to go underground and an unwillingness to remove it the post stuck up in the air where children used it to swing on! Perhaps the developer would be allowed to construct an imaginative mixed development of housing and commercial space, for us to be proud of, and with a little bit of garden for growing garlic.
Ian Campbell, Cluny Hall Chairman
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Weather for Lewes
Friday 10 February 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: -6 C to 2 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: -5 C to 1 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
