Lib Dem Led Calderdale Council has agreed to transfer the ownership of Hebden Bridge Picture House, Great Rock, land at Charlestown, and two growing areas (Sandy Gate in Hebden Bridge and Red Acre) to community ownership at its meeting on Monday.
“This started with the Town Hall in Hebden Bridge where we can see what a good job the local community is doing in looking after and developing an important local amenity” says local ward Councillor and Leader of the Council, Janet Battye.
“I am delighted that we have been able to approve so many – this is real power to the people and a credit to the hard work of Council Officers, and local people – and especially Hebden Royd Town Council and Blackshaw Parish Council.
“The essential ingredient in this is that local people and the local community really want this and put in the effort to make it happen.
“Great Rock is an iconic symbol of Blackshaw Parish Council – it’s on their headed notepaper – and this is the first freehold transfer that Calderdale Council has made but it makes sense and I know that the Parish Council will look after and cherish it.
“For me, it’s a dream come true that the Picture House is coming back to the local community. Nearly a decade ago now, we were mortified when Pitt St Adult Education centre was sold from under us and I vowed that would not happen again. It hasn’t and this is the proof of that !
“We’re especially pleased to support local food growing – making the land available through the Town Council at Sandy Gate and in Mytholmroyd”
The Lib Dem led council has secured the future of the Picture House by transferring it to the community
