Public Event about the future of the former Gooch & Housego Building (Cornhill, Ilminster)
on 4 June 2019, starting at 7.30pm, Ilmininster Bowling and Tennis Club, Shudrick Lane, Ilminster
The Mayor of Ilminster, Councillor Phillip Burton, has arranged an event for members of the public to give their views, thoughts and suggestions on the future of the former Gooch and Housgo building which is due for auction on 13 June.
The event will take place between 7.30pm and 8.30pm on 4 June at the Ilminster Bowling and Tennis Club in Shudrick Lane and be facilitated by the Mayor.
Cllr Burton explained “This will be a chance for people to put forward their ideas and thoughts about the future of the building which is in a prominent position in the town. I am aware of a wide range of views about the possible future use of the buildings, the costs involved and how purchase and development should be funded and by whom. I hope that people will attend the event so that other Councillors and myself can hear the local points of view at first hand.”
Anyone wishing to attend just has to be at the Bowling and Tennis Club at 7.30pm – there is no need to pre-register. It is intended that the event will be as informal as possible and everyone will be encouraged to contribute whilst showing respect for differing views and being aware that the meeting is only scheduled to last 1 hour.
A formal Town Council meeting a formal Town Council meeting will immediately follow the public event at 8.30pm; the agenda for the meeting includes an item for the Town Council to decide its stance regarding the former Gooch and Housego premises. The usual Council rules regarding speaking at this meeting will apply i.e. 3 minute time limit etc.
It is expected that the majority of the meeting will be open to the press and public however should the Council wish to discuss possible negotiations about the former Gooch and Housego building regarding things such as partnerships, costs, expenditure or funding arrangements it is likely to resolve to have those discussions without the press and public present in order to protect its negotiating position.
