Council will sell Urchfont manor despite call to review decision

5:59pm Monday 30th January 2012 in

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Council leaders hae upheld their decision to sell Urchfont Manor despite being asked to look at it again.

The council’s scrutiny committee this morning asked the cabinet to reconsider its decision to sell the Grade II listed building as part of a major cost-cutting exercise.

There was an outcry after the original decisio two weeks ago.

The council said services delivered from the manor ran at a loss last year and is forecast to make an even greater financial loss this year.

It says the manor, which is used as an adult education centre, needs major invstment to maintain and repair it and it would be more cost-effective to sell it.

The cabinet clearly has said any sale must protect ongoing community access and use of: Oakfrith Wood, the playing field to the north of the manor house; and, as far as possible, the cricket pitch.

Council leader Jane Scott said: “This is not a decision we have taken lightly and we have made it clear that we will be seeking to protect ongoing community access to the wood, playing field to the
north of the manor and, as far as possible, the cricket pitch.

“Closing Urchfont Manor does not mean stopping the adult education service as this location is one of several that delivers adult education throughout the county.

“We will be consulting on the future model of the adult education service and have already engaged with members regarding how we consult with communities on this. We have a responsibility to
prioritise how we spend taxpayers’ money and in these tough economic times we feel it would be more suitable for a new owner, whether that is a charitable trust or an independent buyer, to protect
and enhance the building for the future.”