Press Release 19 October 2009

MP AND MSP SPEAK OUT ON TOWN HALL

Midlothian’s MP and MSP are urging Midlothian Council to reconsider their decision to demolish Loanhead Town Hall to give the local community a chance to step up to run the building.

David Hamilton and Rhona Brankin have written to the Council’s Chief Executive and Leader. Both believe that the Council should not proceed with demolition until local residents are given the opportunity to take control of the Town Hall themselves.

David Hamilton told the Advertiser:

“We realise that Midlothian Council is operating under very severe financial constraints and that it needs to look at where savings can be made, but I think it is fair to say that the imminent demolition of the building has shocked people. There is a strong sense that local people have not been properly consulted on the closure. What Rhona and myself are asking the Council to do is meet with us and representatives of the Loanhead Community Development Association as a matter of urgency to discuss how local people could take control of the building and secure its future for the whole community.”

Rhona Brankin said:

“People in Loanhead don’t want to lose the Town Hall and David and I will be assisting in any way we can. Local groups have taken over the running of the Brown Building in Gorebridge and the Ladywood Leisure Centre in Penicuik and we want Loanhead residents to have that same chance to run the Town Hall for the benefit of the local community. As a first step, we want the Council to reconsider the demolition and meet with us and the Loanhead Community Development Association to talk about how we can work together to save the Town Hall.”

Both David Hamilton and Rhona Brankin have signed the Save Loanhead Town Hall petition organised by the Loanhead Community Development Association.

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