Honiton: Mackarness Hall to be 'fit for purpose'

THE Mackarness Hall in Honiton will not be handed back to the Parochial Church Council in a dilapidated state when East Devon District Council ends its lease on the building next year.

THE Mackarness Hall in Honiton will not be handed back to the Parochial Church Council in a dilapidated state when East Devon District Council ends its lease on the building next year.

Thanks to Honiton Town Council, which initiated talks between the district and church, the hall will benefit from external and internal improvements before March 2010.

Town clerk Lyn Hargood has described the talks as "positive".

External work is due to be completed by the end of this month.

It has already been agreed that the kitchen floor will be resurfaced and a plan for the inclusion of a disabled toilet is to be drawn up.

A full inspection of the premises will be carried out before March next year. East Devon Business Centre, which currently handles bookings for the hall, is to liaise with church representatives before the building is handed back.

Former mayor Councillor Vernon Whitlock told the Herald: "This is fantastic news.

"It will make the Mackarness Hall fit for purpose.

"Even when the community centre complex is there, people will still need the Mackarness Hall because it is in the town centre."

Mr Whitlock praised the "professional" co-operation of district council officers.