Ryde Town Hall Trust (RTHT) have issued a statement in relation to concerns around the future of Ryde Town Hall / Ryde Theatre.
RTHT says the recent reporting on Ryde Town Hall has failed to acknowledge that Ryde Town Council initiated the creation of the charity specifically to secure and restore the Town Hall for the benefit of the people of Ryde.
Role and readiness of the Trust
Ryde Town Hall Trust says it now operates with an expanded board of trustees and a commitment to openness and transparency.
Members of the Board include Simon Cooke as Chair, alongside Zoe Barker, Anmarie Bowler, Dominic Minghella, Joe Plumb and Steve Porter.
Concerns about the current situation
The Trust says that,
“A long as conflicting interests continue to conduct abstruse private negotiations, away from public scrutiny, the building continues to deteriorate, and the chances of saving it diminish.”
The Trust says a lack of transparency reduces the chances of saving the Town Hall.
Call for open discussion
Ryde Town Hall Trust says the potential availability of public funding through the Neighbourhood Board makes this a critical moment for the future of the building.
The Trust says discussions about the Town Hall should now take place openly, and that the charity should be enabled to carry out its formally constituted role.
Looking ahead
Ryde Town Hall Trust says it stands ready to take responsibility for securing and shaping the future of the Town Hall.
The Trust says it wants to act on behalf of the people of Ryde to ensure the building’s long-term preservation.
