Further to our report this morning about the sale of Ryde Theatre falling through, On The Wight has received the following from Ryde Town Council. In their own words. Ed
Ryde Town Council was disappointed to learn this morning that the proposed sale of Ryde Theatre has fallen through. The Town Council would like to clarify that, despite comments to the contrary by Councillor George Brown, Isle of Wight Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for the Economy and Regulatory Services, the Town Council did not object to the proposed sale.
The Town Council in fact wrote to Councillor Brown prior to the decision being made to raise concerns that the proposal might not secure the future of the building as a theatre venue and to suggest that this, amongst other considerations, be made a condition of the sale.
Concerns over consultation
The letter also raised concerns that the community had not been consulted either about the purchase or the lack of any conditions that might secure the buildings’ future.
In addition the Town Council has asked the Isle of Wight Council on numerous occasions over the last three years to be put in touch with any prospective purchaser as the Town Council may well have been able to contribute to the financing of any venture if it had been able to secure office and meeting space in the building.
Regret Cllr Brown’s comments
Ryde Mayor, Councillor David Woodward, said, “We regret the comments that Councillor Brown has made about the Town Council and we reiterate again that we would like to work with both the Isle of Wight Council and any interested party to secure the future of this landmark building for the benefit of the Ryde community.”
Embedded below is the letter sent to Cllr Brown in September 2012 regarding the sale.
