Fight to save Keys Hall goes on

1.40.28pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 16th May 2007

At the Annual Council meeting on 16th May, newly elected Liberal Democrat Councillor Karen Chilvers presented the petition to save Keys Hall, the community facility that was voted "surplus to leisure and recreational requirements" recently.

So far, over 600 people have signed the petition, organised by the Lib Dems, which says:

"We the undersigned DO NOT believe that Keys Hall is surplus to leisure and recreation requirements and want to see it kept available for use by local community groups".

Of the petition, Cllr Chilvers said:

"It became apparent during the election campaign that Brentwood residents are very unhappy with the decision that was made about Keys Hall. They certainly do not believe the facility has had it's day.

"Although a few groups have been able to relocate, we know that the closure of this hall would cause problems for some well-established community groups, such as a dancing school, an archery club and a badminton club."

"600 signatures to date just shows the strength of feeling regarding this much needed facility, but the passion for this historic building to remain in use is felt throughout the borough. Over 450 of the signatures are Brentwood residents but the petition has been signed by users from as far afield as Hackney and Walton-on-the-Naze, demonstrating the attraction of Keys Hall and it's ability to bring people to our town".

You can still sign the petition on-line: http://www.brentwood-ongarlibdems.org.uk/petitions/.