Consultation of proposed disposal of Invergordon Town Hall as Highland Council urges public to have say of future of crumbling local landmark
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PEOPLE in an Easter Ross community are being asked to have their say on the proposed disposal of an iconic local landmark which needs "significant" refurbishment.
Highland Council is launching a Common Good consultation giving the Invergordon community until September 17 to respond to the proposal to dispose of Invergordon Town Hall by sale or long lease.
Due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, the consultation time frame given is longer than the statutory eight-week period and, says the local authority will help alleviate any community concerns about the inability to hold public meetings and will provide sufficient response time.
A previous consultation was held in early 2019.
The proposal was not proceeded with at that time to allow a community group time to explore the viability of taking on the town hall.
Highland Council said today: "Unfortunately, it has not been possible to progress these plans. The position remains that Invergordon Town Hall requires significant refurbishment and the viability of its continued use is at risk.
"All attempts to source funding have proved unsuccessful with maintenance and running costs continuing to outstrip income. As a result, the proposal to dispose of the Town Hall is being considered again and a fresh consultation has commenced.Any funds received in the event of the proposal proceeding will be credited to Invergordon Common Good Fund."
The council says it is keen to hear the community’s views on the proposal "and all submissions will be given full regard before a decision on whether, and how, to proceed is made".
All consultation representations, responses and any final decision will be published on the council's website.
The full consultation document is called Invergordon Town Hall consultation document (number 2) and is available at: https://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/file/23707/invergordon_town_hall_consultation_document_number_2
In terms of process, please refer to the guidance available at: https://www.highland.gov.uk/downloads/file/23502/process_for_disposal_or_change_of_use_of_common_good_property
Written responses can be submitted either by email to common.good@highland.gov.uk or by post to:
Sara Murdoch, The Highland Council HQ, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX.
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