Nantwich councillors and the local MP have teamed up, requesting a delay of the town's Brookfield Hall building auction.

Brookfield Hall is currently owned by Cheshire East Council and has been leased to Nantwich Town Council since 1992.

The building has been used for community hire since 2012, when the Town Council relocated to the Civic Hall. However, since Covid-19, Brookfield Hall has struggled to generate income due to a lack of usage.

The Council are therefore seeking disposal of the asset through private auction, which is currently set to open for bidding for a guide price of £150,000 on Monday 22 June.

Nantwich South and Stapeley councillors, Geoff Smith and John Priest, have received considerable support from residents wishing to retain the site for public usage.

Cheshire East are seeking disposal of Brookfield Hall through private auction, currently set to open for bidding for a guide price of £150,000 on Monday 22 June (Photo: BTG Eddisons).

'Brookfield for Community Use' has been set up by campaigners to demonstrate public backing and plans to convert Brookfield Hall into a community hub.

Crewe and Nantwich MP, Connor Naismith, is working closely with the councillors and has written to the Interim Director of Place at Cheshire East Council to request delaying the planned auction, allowing for community organisations to explore sustainable funding alternatives for the site.

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Mr Naismith said: "I completely understand that the council need to make difficult decisions to make sure that public funding is spent well.

"However, the disposal of sites like Brookfield Hall, which have a demonstrable community value - should always be done in consultation with residents.

"Where there is appetite, local groups must be given the opportunity to present alternative plans for assets before they are put to auction. I don't believe sufficient time has been allocated for community engagement."

Cllr Priest said: "Brookfield Hall is a much-used asset by a wide section of our community, and it is essential that Cheshire East makes sure that support and funding is in place to keep this in the public domain for use by residents."

Cllr Smith said: "It's great to be working with local community groups and our MP on this campaign.

"It's important that we ensure transparent decision making over the potential sale of sites like Brookfield Hall and that proper community engagement has taken place."

READ MORE: South Cheshire pub receives prestigious Visit England 'Gold' accreditation.

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