Arts centre terms nearing agreement
Thursday, 14th June 2001.
Haverhill Town Council could take over the management of the Arts Centre by October if an agreement with St Edmunds-bury Borough Council is approved.
Gordon Mussett, Haverhill Town clerk, said he believed the two councils were very close to reaching agreement over the terms of the hand-over.
The town council has pledged to restore live entertainment programming at the centre but wamts financial safeguards from the Borough to protect its future.
Mr Mussett said a special meeting of the town council had been provisionally arranged for June 19 to discuss the formal agreement being put forward by the borough.
The borough council's Policy and Resources Committee would then discuss the issue, with the final decision being made at the full council meeting on July 10.
If agreement is reached, staff at the centre will be given a three month notice period of the transfer.
The town council would aim to honour the spirit of a 1999 report by consultant Lawrence Staig, which was never implemented by the borough council.
Mr Mussett said the town council would aim to provide a broad range of cinema, arts and community events, led by public demand. They had a proven record of success with arts and entertainment events in the town.
Mr Mussett said: "We have negotiated hard on the first draft provided by the borough council and I think it is fair to say that the second draft goes a long way towards satisfying the town council's requirements.
"I am hopeful that, within the next 10 days, a final decision will have been taken by the town council."
There was a storm of protest, supported by a petition and an angry public meeting earlier this year, when St Edmundsbury cut back the budget for live shows at the centre.
Gordon Mussett, Haverhill Town clerk, said he believed the two councils were very close to reaching agreement over the terms of the hand-over.
The town council has pledged to restore live entertainment programming at the centre but wamts financial safeguards from the Borough to protect its future.
Mr Mussett said a special meeting of the town council had been provisionally arranged for June 19 to discuss the formal agreement being put forward by the borough.
The borough council's Policy and Resources Committee would then discuss the issue, with the final decision being made at the full council meeting on July 10.
If agreement is reached, staff at the centre will be given a three month notice period of the transfer.
The town council would aim to honour the spirit of a 1999 report by consultant Lawrence Staig, which was never implemented by the borough council.
Mr Mussett said the town council would aim to provide a broad range of cinema, arts and community events, led by public demand. They had a proven record of success with arts and entertainment events in the town.
Mr Mussett said: "We have negotiated hard on the first draft provided by the borough council and I think it is fair to say that the second draft goes a long way towards satisfying the town council's requirements.
"I am hopeful that, within the next 10 days, a final decision will have been taken by the town council."
There was a storm of protest, supported by a petition and an angry public meeting earlier this year, when St Edmundsbury cut back the budget for live shows at the centre.
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