TWO community facilities in Bishop’s Waltham are the first in the Winchester district to be ‘listed’ under the new Community Right to Bid scheme.
Bishop’s Waltham Social Club and Blanchard Road play area were nominated by the town’s parish council.
The Community Right to Bid means that should the landowners of the social club or play area decide to sell, they are now legally obliged to inform the city council.
The council then informs the community and at their request imposes a six-month halt on the sale. With this added time the community can raise the money to bid for the facility themselves.
Cllr Stephen Godfrey, portfolio holder for finance and administration, said: “I am pleased to announce the successful registration of these two community assets by Winchester City Council, which gives these facilities recognition of their social importance to the local area.
"Blanchard Road play area is a valued and popular recreational play area, whilst the social club provides an important social meeting place in the centre of Bishop’s Waltham.”
Grants are available from the Social Investment Business (SIB) Group for eligible groups – parish councils, charities, community interest groups - that can show evidence of plans to take over land or buildings.
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