Ledbury Town Council has vowed to fight plans to close the town’s Heritage Centre following two emotive public meetings during the past week.
A lively public meeting on the issue attracted over 100 people to the Burgage Hall last Wednesday while a number of local residents at a well-attended annual Town meeting the following night, also voiced concerns.
Herefordshire Council announced plans last month to close the Heritage Centre, which is located at Church Lane, and move it to the re-developed Master’s House.
Cabinet member for Economic Development and Community Services, Adrian Blackshaw was subject to detailed questioning about the plans.
Although he stopped short of a guarantee not to sell the Heritage Centre, he admitted that it was not the primary intention for Herefordshire Council.
As a result of the meeting around 40 people have come forward to volunteer at the centre in a bid to have it re-opened by the May Bank Holiday.
The following evening, residents voted in favour of the Town Council exploring options to take the building on although they have yet to commit to anything.
Mayor of Ledbury Keith Francis says that the strength of feeling from local residents demonstrates the importance of the building to the town.
“The Heritage Centre is vital to Ledbury,” he said. “It’s part of the heritage trail which brings in so many tourists and visitors.”
“At the moment as you can imagine we need to look after what we have.”
Ledbury Town Council will discuss the issue further at Thursday night’s meeting.
