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Moray communities encouraged to take ownership of town halls to make them thrive again

Gordon Christie, chairman of Fochabers Village Association, inside Fochabers Institute.
Gordon Christie, chairman of Fochabers Village Association, inside Fochabers Institute.

Moray communities fearing their town halls could be “mothballed” within months have been encouraged to step forward to reap the rewards of owning the facilities.

Yesterday, the council threw out a late bid to have the June handover deadline pushed back amid fears of unrealistic timescales.

Instead, councillors voted to press on, with council leader George Alexander called any delay “procrastination” and saying the buildings would be managed better by residents than the authority.

This week marks the first anniversary of the Fochabers Institute reopening following a massive £800,000 refurbishment spearheaded by village residents.

The hall was due to be shut for good due to its deteriorating condition under council ownership before it was taken over by locals in 2015.

Last night, Gordon Christie, chairman of the Fochabers Village Association, explained the building was now thriving under community ownership.

He said: “We’ve doubled the amount of groups using it compared with when we took it on and now offer facilities for men’s sheds, fitness, or concerts for 400 people.

“Last weekend we also held our second wedding, which was a huge success. The bride was delighted.

“I’ve been asked to advise different groups looking to take on their own halls.

“It’s obviously challenging times for them and while it is not for the fainthearted, it’s good fun and the rewards are huge.”

Profits from the Institute are currently being used to pay for the final parts of the hall’s refurbishment before it is funneled into community initiatives.

During yesterday’s full council meeting, opposition members argued groups aiming to take control of the eight buildings currently under threat of closure had not been given enough support.

However, Mr Alexander stressed money was being made available to recruit more specialists to ease the burden on the community support department.

Cash has also been made available to cover half the running costs of the building’s during the rent-free lease.

If groups are not ready to sign a contract in June then the doors will be closed until they are ready.

Keith and Cullen councillor Theresa Coull and Buckie member Sonya Warren argued the business case for community group’s was being undermined by the looming deadline.

Mrs Warren said: “People are being forced to respond out of necessity, not necessarily because they want to.”

Mr Alexander added: “It’s important to take these difficult decisions now instead of procrastinating on them.”