£65,000 Investment in Cleckheaton Town Hall pays dividends. (Kirklees Liberal Democrats)

Kirklees Liberal Democrats <info@kirkleeslibdems.org.uk>

£65,000 Investment in Cleckheaton Town Hall pays dividends.

December 23, 2005 10:13 AM

Cleckheaton Town Hall

A £65,000 pound investment in Cleckheaton Town Hall by Kirklees Council has led to an increase in bookings for the venue.

£40,000 of the total sum invested by the council was used to buy back the old caretaker's house which stands next to the Town Hall. The remaining £25,000 was used to transform the caretaker's house into an annexe connected to the main building and to carry out refurbishments.

Cllr Ann Raistrick (Liberal Democrat, Cleckheaton Ward) says, "Since the investment, we understand that the Town Hall is now very well used for meetings, shows and other cultural and educational activities and events."

"The annexe that used to be the old caretaker's house has made a real impact. It has provided additional meeting room space and space for classes to take place, such as those run by the University of the 3rd age for the over 50's. It has also provided much needed additional changing room and "green room" facilities for the local amateur dramatics and dance companies that use the venue for their shows. I am particularly pleased that the caretaker's house has been connected to the main building. A lot of the shows that take place at the Town Hall involve young children and the connection between the two buildings ensures greater security" says Cllr Raistrick.

Cllr Raistrick says: "The Superintendent at the Town hall informs me that they have been open 7 days a week since the beginning of November and that there are a lot of things planned for over the Christmas and New Year periods. The Christmas panto (which is Aladdin this year) is being put on by the Young Show Stoppers from Heckmondwike between 13 - 21 December and there are three different Christmas concerts taking place on the 10, 11 and 18 of December.

Cllr Raistrick concluded: "There are further improvement plans for the Town Hall in the pipeline. These include the putting up of new internal and external signage and a new internal communications system which should be completed by the end of this financial year. The council is also to improve the lift in the Town Hall which is currently too small and needs changing so that it complies with current legislation. A further £20,000 pounds has recently been allocated to improve the sound and lighting equipment in the Town Hall and £15,000 to improve security".

Bookings for Cleckheaton Town Hall can be made by contacting Kirklees Cultural Services on 01484 221947.