Save the Constables House

I find it quite fascinating that such a furore has been raised as a result of The Echo publishing my opinion from this blog about the Druitt Hall and the vision ward Councillors have to improve the experience of this part of the Christchurch town centre. I have been talking to some of the concerned residents this weekend in order to explain why this matter requires urgent consideration in view of the work being undertaken to make the gardens more accessible and part of the safe route to school process which encourages kids to bike to school whilst retaining the natural benefits to the parkland area as a whole.I am encouraged by the number of residents who like me think that the decision to deal sensibly with the problem of the degeneration of this hall has been left far to long and it is interesting that the head lease holders think that also as they have now given official notification to CBC that they wish not to retain further responsibility for the building. Further the development of the extant planning permission for a new hall has not as far as I can see progressed beyond the early project stage and support from the community to fund such a development has not ticked any boxes according to the latest reports from the organisation that progressed the development originally. Nor has it had the benefit of a business plan. Had the community directed it's energy to a project to save the Constables house which is deteriorating before our eyes and is clearly one of the most important historic buildings in this ancient Borough, I would have been at the front waving the banners. And this is my dilemma and the dilemma of those elected councillors keen to enhance the Christchurch experience, maybe we should ask English Heritage, who are the responsible body, if we can sell puddings and cakes from their Constables House!