''Save Druitt Hall'' campaign, I am flattered!

I was shocked and upset that my blog hit the headlines in the local newspaper regarding what I consider a fairly low key opinion about whether or not the Druitt Hall is fit for purpose. Further I was accused of announcing implementation of demolition, I not sure what powers the public think I have as Leader of the Council but making executive decisions about assets is not one of them. My blog is a way of communicating to the constituents my opinions as an elected person, in this case to highlight the views of the elected Town Centre Borough councillors and the elected County Councillor. I was even accused of rudeness and of being abrupt, now I know the electronic ether is a powerful media but transmitting these sort of emotions via my blog is impossible even for Microsoft! Further study of the published letter revealed that the complainant was in fact a business selling foodstuff from inside the hall mainly it would appear to the elderly, something I have to admit I was surprised at considering the par less state of the premises and the community essence that the hall was supposed to deliver. The claim also by the writer that the building was ''probably beyond repair'' is also a bit confusing considering the thrust of the argument that it should be retained so that he/she could continue to sell puddings to the elderly! In the last paragraph the plea is made to save their market, not the hall you understand but their market.If it is true that a Housing association is handing the premises back to Christchurch Borough Council, and I have not been officially informed of that, I assume that is because they have serious concerns about the structure and its safety as a suitable venue for any events including running a business.Town Centre elected Councillors have embarked on an exiting project to link Druitt gardens to the high street as well as returning the gardens back to their original splendour, I support them in that objective as part of a far wider project to make the Christchurch High Street a better experience. This is a long term vision based on residents and visitors putting Christchurch first when they decide where to visit and shop.At a recent meeting in this very hall I confirmed that if a decision was taken to close the hall then every effort would be made to involve all users as to what was to happen. I stand by this pledge .