Fernwood Village Hall transferred to the Parish Council

Fernwood Parish Council was granted a 40 year lease by the District Council in 2008 and has managed the village hall as per the terms of the lease excellently throughout its tenure.  In recent years the Parish Council has improved the sustainability of the hall by improving the heating system and introducing photo-voltaic cells to the roof to reduce energy consumption and improve the buildings green credentials.

The hall is an important part of the Fernwood community and serves as a focal point and hub facility for a wide range of community-focussed activities, which meet the needs of the local community.

The transfer is part of the Council’s approved Asset Transfer Policy which considers requests for the transfer of assets on an individual basis so that the Council can fulfil its strategic priorities and assist its Town and Parish partners to take greater ownership of facilities that are important to their communities.

Taking ownership of the village hall will enable the Parish Council to take greater responsibility for management and future development of the hall which is aligned with the District Council’s own Community Plan.

Councillor Tim Wendels, Chairman of Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Homes and Communities Committee, said: “Everyone at Fernwood Parish Council has done a terrific job in managing the village hall and there’s no doubt they can continue their amazing work as we hand over ownership to them.

“We always consider carefully any requests to transfer one of our assets to other ownership, however, in this instance the Parish Council have demonstrated great care in looking after the hall and we’re more than happy to see them take full control.”

Councillor Barry Smith, Chairman of Fernwood Parish Council, said: “Fernwood Parish Council is delighted to take ownership of the village hall and we thank all involved at Newark and Sherwood District Council for their work on this. The village hall is an excellent facility for our growing parish with many regular activities and the building being available for hire for social event and corporate bookings.

We will continue to work with District Council to get the open spaces in the village transferred into public ownership further delivering the Council’s aim to enhance the life of our community and improve facilities in our area.”

Since the adoption of the Asset Transfer Policy, the Council has exercised its powers and successfully transferred Edwinstowe Village Hall and Coddington Community Centre to respective Parish Councils and Millgate Community Centre to the Newark and Sherwood Community Hub, a registered charity.