Use of Horton Chapel Still Not Resolved

2.27.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 1st May 2008

Elaine (L) with her Court Ward colleagues David Buxton (C) and Dave Morgan

Lib Dem Councillor Elaine Britten (Court) has criticised the borough council for the continuing delays in arriving at a plan for the use of Horton Chapel.

She is concerned that £1m earmarked for renovation and upkeep of the Chapel may not be enough because of its deteriorating condition, even though the money has been accruing interest for some time.

A previous bidding fiasco relating to the future of the Chapel ended with the borough council having to re-tender and set up a project team. The results of a public consultation on desired uses for the building are still not available but will inform the new tender process

Cllr Britten said "It's 8 months since the public consultation took place. When I'm asked by local residents what's happening, I find it embarrassing to have to say "nothing much". The Chapel has been robbed of lead from the roof and this has only been repaired rather than replaced. Its deteriorating condition will have knock on effects financially, both to the council and to the winning tenderer. Horton Chapel was preserved because it is an asset and to leave it in an ever deteriorating state is not a strategy I support."

Cllr Britten formally questioned a meeting of the full council on 29th April about the delays on Horton Chapel. The council's answer was that council officers have other priorities at the moment and that's why it's all taking such a long time.