Hitchin Town Hall and the Tory Lies

7.24.00pm GMT Sat 21st Nov 2009

Hitchin Town Hall

Hitchin Tories often speak of providing "Value for Money" and in a recent leaflet they claimed to be "Listening to You" and "Saving Hitchin Town Hall". But when it comes to our Town Hall the reality is completely different,

• No rigorous business case has been made for this risky project and it is currently unclear what savings might be made after the initial capital expenditure of £3.5 million - is this value for money?

• Over 5,000 people from Hitchin and beyond signed a petition against using the Town Hall as a District Museum, but the Tory Cabinet dismissed the petition out of hand - is this listening?

• Tory plans envisage "an enhanced District Museum", but in the process the Town Hall itself will be ruined architecturally and as a community venue for large events - is this saving the Town Hall?

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate Nigel Quinton said: "We want this expensive, crazy and unpopular scheme stopped now. The District Council needs to listen to its residents and properly address all concerns about the project. But so far it has progressed with indecent haste, leaving no sensible period of time for proper thought and consideration."

Highbury Ward District Councillor Lawrence Oliver added: "One major issue surrounding the project is the Charitable Trust on parts of the Town Hall. The Council needs to clarify and resolve this before it can register with the Charity Commission, only then can they proceed with the proposed development. But instead of dealing with this essential prerequisite they have decided to devote council time and taxpayers money in pushing ahead with their plans."