The volunteers behind a charity that’s made a Long Sutton landmark into a community centre say they will be continuing as normal, despite being branded no longer a ‘strategic fit’ by their landlord.
The trustees of Long Sutton’s Market House have, for over 25 years, overseen the former corn exchange, market and magistrates’ court to house numerous groups and events.
But unbeknownst to them the building’s owners, Lincolnshire County Council, has included in its budget that it is looking to sell the Market Street building that dates back to the mid 1850s.
The authority says it would save £6,000 a year on the facility by doing so.
The budget states: “A loss-making lease on a property / to a tenant which is no longer a strategic fit, with the risk of a large repair bill for LCC if the tenant does not fulfil its repair obligations.”
A number of groups use the facility every day and it also puts on a cinema showing on the last week of every month.
The chair of the trustees, David Wilson, has been involved since the not-for-profit group was formed in the mid 90s. Back then it worked with then owners South Holland District Council on the building’s refurbishment, opening for the community in 2000 when the trustees were given a 60-year lease.
“We’re quite relaxed about it and not unduly worried,” he said. “It was a shock at first but having thought about it, the building will continue to be a community centre.
“We are still at the property and not even halfway through a 60-year lease.
“We’re well used and after the COVID dip we’re beginning to get a much fuller diary.”
Mr Wilson said that no officials at the county council had been in touch about a sale.
“We had an informal meeting in mid-December bout the results of a recent survey, but the matter of a sale wasn’t discussed.
“We’re in a solid position and we’re quite happy for the county council to come to us and talk about their final decision.”
When asked if the trustees could purchase the building he responded: “It depends on the price.”
A spokesman for Lincolnshire County Council said: “Tenants in this building carry out activity that is targeted to community benefit, and with pressures on the economy the council is seeking to focus more on economic growth instead.
“We are looking at options to reduce the costs of these buildings to the council while enabling the groups to continue to provide services to their community.
“As with all of the budget proposals, at this stage no decisions have been made.”
