Hiccup on charges to County Council

The regime at Notts CC now that Reform UK have won the majority of seats, adds delay at least to further progress.

We have written to many of the new Reform Councillors explaining our concerns that the administration seem to be going against the wishes and spirit of the agreement reached with the previous administration and supported by Cllrs Saddington, Smith and Girling plus project manager Mr Brouwer in December 2024 and subsequently February 2025.

The latest proposal shows that we would be sold a fraction of the site, totally unsuitable to build a community hub, possibly big enough for a garden shed!

Cllrs Saddington and Smith have asked for a meeting with the administration and project manager to explain why the proposed change and why . . . . We await the outcome of both avenues of questions.

We cannot imagine that the original agreement albeit verbal would be reneged upon or significantly watered down as this exciting project will yield positive Social Returns on Investment for NCC and NSDC. Our conservative estimate is that the SROI should be almost £2,000,000 in our first five years. This in comparison to the gain from selling the site at around £500,000 shows a short term gain but misses out on £1,500,000 of social gains that will continue long after the sale goes through.

If you would like to support our case for this fantastic opportunity for our community please contact the new Leader of NCC Mick Barton on: Cllr.mick.barton@nottscc.gov.uk (extracted fro a NCC website)

Our proposal is to acquire about half the site (about half an acre) ASK Hive will then raise funds to build the site as a combined community hub but with a commercial element to ensure that we are NOT reliant upon ongoing grants to keep it going. Additionally this will bring volunteering and employment opportunities for the area. It’s location next to the A617 gives us great access and potentially pedestrian access for all villagers.

This is NOT your typical village hall proposal, these traditionally loose money year on year!

We have a board of ten directors plus company secretary that have been nurturing this project along for the last four years, and has growing support from our fellow villagers and local businesses. All keen to see it in operation and use its facilities.