Clash over future of old hall

SEAFORD councillors have clashed over the future of the Old Town Hall.

The town council has taken over ownership of the building in South Street from Lewes District Council. It is currently used by Seaford Volunteer Association (SVA) as a 'Drop in' meeting place serving tea and cakes.

At a town council meeting on Thursday last week, members discussed allowing the SVA to use the hall for three more years from March 25 when its lease expires.

But the Mayor of Seaford, Les Whittle, was shocked the council had taken possession of a building it would not be able to use.

He said: 'All the time since the purchase of Hurdis House I was under the impression we would have some meetings in the Old Town Hall once the lease had expired.'

Negotiated

He asked could the town not have negotiated to have some meetings at the Old Town Hall. Seaford Baptist Church and the Downs Leisure Centre are used instead of Hurdis House for full committee meetings and those where a big turnout of townsfolk is expected.

The Mayor added: 'For this town council to have to go cap in hand to other properties for our needs, it is ludicrous.'

The council heard that the transfer of the town hall to the council was only completed at the end of last year, allowing little time to renegotiate the SVA lease.

Council leader Laurie Holland said by taking control of the hall the town's future needs would be catered for and protected.

He said: 'We cannot use it straight away, it is for the future. We must plan ahead.'

The council will receive 1,100 per year rent for the building.'