The Executive Committee of Conservative-controlled Erewash Borough Council made the decision on Wednesday 24th July which should guarantee the future of the Long Eaton Petersham Hall.

A total of £184,600 of the Council’s capital resources is to be committed over a period of 4 years to refurbishing the Hall, which is a busy community asset but has needed investment to bring it up to modern standards. In particular there have been problems with disabled access and the old central heating boiler needs replacing.

Phase One which amounts to £63,600, will cover these issues as well dealing with asbestos and providing improved disabled toilets. This money is planned to be spent this financial year and it is hoped that this will mean that the Hall can be used once again as a polling station for local residents.

Local ward Councillor, Conservative Gary Hickton said “I have been lobbying hard, together with my colleague Kevin Miller, to get these funds put to one side to help the Petersham Hall. Now that the ownership issues are being resolved, the Borough Council will be able to get on with improving the Hall and I look forward to working with the Trustees of the Petersham hall Community Association to get this work underway as soon as possible.”

Leader of the Council, Chris Corbett added “This is great news for the residents of Petersham as it will mean that the Hall will soon be used to its fullest potential.