By Ed Miliband saves historic Doncaster building from being sold
Doncaster North MP Ed Miliband reportedly stepped in at yesterday’s auction to save a historic building, the old Brodsworth Miners Welfare Hall, from being sold at the eleventh hour.
The community has been fighting to save the building, rich with memories and heritage, which means so much to them.
If it had been sold, it would have resulted in it being redeveloped.
The council earlier refused to list the building as a community asset, citing insufficient use.
It was set to be sold at auction with a reported guide price of £125,000.
A community page was set up on Facebook, campaigning to save the building that had been in their lives since 1924.
The hall holds the memories of many people’s ancestors and connects the public with their history.
It was a popular place to hold community activities in until four years ago.
In a statement regarding the historic building, MP Ed Miliband said: “Following intensive discussions over the last 48 hours with the trustees of Brodsworth Miners’ Welfare, I am delighted to say that they have decided to pause the sale of the Welfare and therefore it was withdrawn from auction today.
“I have agreed with them that we will work together between now and the end of the year on potential ways forward which can ensure the building remains in use for the benefit of the community and avoids it being auctioned off.”
He added: “There is no guarantee of success and this is a pause of the sale not yet a permanent halt but for my part, I will do everything in my power to try and help the building have a future for the community.
“It is an extraordinary venue with a humbling heritage and it needs to be preserved for the future if at all possible.”
However, he did request that any abuse directed at the trustees should stop from now on.
He believes it is best that everybody works together to guarantee a desirable final outcome.
Campaigners have indicated that they would like to buy back the hall so that marks, shows, sports/youth clubs and arts/theatre events could be hosted there for the local community.
(Photo: Friends of Brodsworth Miners Welfare Hall)
