Council denies rumors of selling hall. Councillor claims panel urged asset sale. Finance head calls claim ‘rubbish’.
Patel said the council was urged to sell it during a panel meeting involving the Improvement and Assurance Panel. Cummings spoke before a council meeting, where he stated definitively there were no such plans.
Patel claimed the panel discussed selling assets, with Fairfield Halls mentioned as a possible asset sale. The panel oversees the council’s finances and can direct actions if needed. Cummings responded to Patel’s claims, calling them ‘rubbish.’
Cummings said Patel attended a briefing before speaking on a podcast where she asserted the panel told them to sell Fairfield Halls. He stated this wasn’t true at all, clarifying that the panel never made such a statement. The council checked with the panel, who confirmed they never said to sell the halls.
Cummings accused Patel of lying, emphasizing that while the panel can instruct the council, they haven’t used that power. Patel insists she is correct, stating that they are encouraging asset sales, explicitly naming Fairfield Halls. She clarified that she wants a long-term plan, one that does not include selling the venue.
Fairfield Halls has hosted iconic stars like David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, and Pink Floyd. Cummings acknowledged the future is uncertain, admitting that things evolve and change. He said they’d talk to some groups, perhaps like Excel, who might want to improve the venue. However, the council isn’t selling for money alone. BH Live currently manages Fairfield Halls, ensuring smooth operation without costing the council daily expenses.