Disputed future of Garth Club Hall in Mortimer

Parish councillors and residents are calling for an empty hall in Mortimer to be restored for community use.

Garth Club Hall, on St John's Road, closed in 2012 after a problematic roof replacement.

But Mortimer Parish Council says the Royal British Legion, its trustee since 1959, informed it in November of its intention to sell the building with any proceeds going to the YMCA, a former trustee.

The council says it previously blocked an attempt by the Legion to sell in 2013.

And it is now disputing the latest proposal, maintaining the building should be passed on to any suitable organisation prepared to repair and restore it.

"The council has written to the Legion and awaits a response," explained councillor Nick Carter. "Our letter has been acknowledged.

"I think selling it in the way suggested would deprive the village of a facility and the Legion has no right to sell it at all, because they know there are people out there prepared to take on the land and building."

But a Legion spokesperson told newburytoday that "no decision has yet been taken in terms of the property's future".

It added: "The Royal British Legion has deemed the property as potentially unsafe, so in compliance with the charity's insurance and public liability policies, the building is currently closed."

The council says it became aware last year of local parties interested taking over the building.

Mr Carter added: "I established through survey and public meeting those people exist. The Legion could only sell if no such people existed.

"They should realistically be grabbing the chance to get rid of it in this way, since they clearly have no intention to fix it themselves."

Bulmershe Boxing Club enquired about the hall early last year.

The club is currently restructuring as a charity organisation to acquire the trusteeship.

Coach Roy Davies, a third generation Mortimer resident, is keen to see the hall put to good use, but says talks with the Legion have been difficult.

"We've just been hit with them saying they're seeking legal advice and that's it," he said. "They won't grant any access to the building.

"We've got no idea what the cost of refurbishment could be, as nobody knows the state of it inside.

"I've said to to the Legion I'm quite happy to have a meeting with them and see what we can do."

The club strives to make boxing classes affordable and accessible to all and confirmed it has the financial backing and representation of its governing body, England Boxing.

Mr Davies added: "The building has served the community for over 100 years. To lose it would be devastating."