York | Archive | 2005 | September | 10
From the archive, first published Saturday 10th Sep 2005.
MAJOR players on a community hall's board of trustees have resigned amid growing opposition to a proposal to demolish the historic building.
The chairman, project manager and secretary of Haxby Memorial Hall's board have stood down, along with three other trustees, casting fresh doubt on the building's future.
It is the second time a committee of volunteers has collapsed after taking up the challenge to drive forward plans for the hall, which is in disrepair and no longer viable.
Remaining members are now faced with recruiting fresh blood and winning back residents' support.
More than 1,500 locals have opposed one of the trustees' key proposals, to replace the hall with a contemporary, glass design. But project manager Brian Levett said his resignation was not prompted by opposition from campaigners.
"I have a small family business which had an opportunity to increase its turnover, which precluded me from spending any more time as a trustee. We gave it our best shot. I decided I couldn't afford any more time on it," he said
Chairman David Roberts and secretary Stewart Pearson were unavailable for comment at the time of going to press.
Town council chairman Ken Holdsworth said news of the resignations was "sad", saying: "Everything is now in the melting pot. The building is not making any income because it is badly in need of repair. I expect this will delay plans."
He said trustees needed "all the help they can get", and called for more people, particularly those with skills to offer, to get involved.
Tina Hull, of Save Haxby Memorial Support Group, felt the resignations signalled the end of the demolition plans for the hall.
She said the "incredibly silly" proposal had sparked opposition from businesses, triggered letters to the Evening Press and attracted more than 1,500 names on a protest petition.
However, the board's business manager, Jen Challoner, said remaining members would hold "a review of the way forward" before announcing future plans.
Trustee Nikki Hassett said: "We will elect a new chair then put ideas forward about how to move on. We need to get this off the ground."
Updated: 09:00 Saturday, September 10, 2005
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