Hilton Hall threatened with closure

5.22.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 7th Jun 2008

Cllr Mike Heap and Cllr Richard Whitehouse inspect Hilton Hall

Springvale's Lib Dem councillors have learnt that council officers are trying to justify the closure of Hilton Hall. The officers say that the hall's structure is unsound and will need demolishing. Cllr. Malcolm Gwinnett said, "This is just not true. The hall is in need of a great deal of renovation but is still safe. I believe the hall should continue to be used while officers of the Authority use all the time available to find funding to build Lanesfield the purpose built community centre that it deserves. I and my colleagues are committed to this course of action. Cllr. Richard Whitehouse has already handed in a large petition from the users of the hall demanding action. As one tea dancer said, "I have been coming to the tea dances here for years. I do not want to go to Bilston Town Hall, its too far, so what am I and the wife to do." Cllr. Mike Heap said, "You can rest assured we will be doing all in our power to save the Hall."