News

It was revealed at Wednesday's Hawkinge Parish Council meeting (14 March) that the charity that wants to retain the Spitfire Leisuredrome have decided to give up their battle to save the building.

The Hawkinge Youth and Community Sports Council (HYCSC), who arranged a survey of the Spitfire Leisuredrome have come to the conclusion that it would not make economic sense to develop the building.

Cllr Keven Avery told the council that he had been speaking to the  HYCSC after they had contacted him.

According to the survey more than £100,000 would be needed to bring the venue up to the minimum standard required  Cllr Avery said.

The HYCSC have now conceded the parish council's position and want to enter into talks with them to see if there is another suitable venue in the village.

Councillors have agreed to this, and will  be entering into a dialogue with the charity to find the best way forward to utilise any monies from the disposal of the Leisuredrome site, which would benefit the youth and sports provision in the village.

HYCSC will now support the parish council's appeal against Shepway District Council's refusal to grant planning consent for residential accommodation on the Spitfire Leisuredrome site.

Founder member of the HYCSC Cllr Peter Smith was taken by surprise of the about turn by the charity but he told the Gazette he believes these discussions were just private meetings.