A campaign has been launched to save a much-loved community hall.

There are fears Meeching Hall in Newhaven could be sold due to rising maintenance costs.

Newhaven Town Council said no decisions have been made yet over the hall’s future.

The building, in Fort Road, is used for theatre productions, classes and meetings including Pilates, dancing, the town’s repair cafe and other health and wellbeing sessions. The Sea Cadets also use the hall every Monday.

Lisa Fairfield has now started a petition to prevent the town losing the space.

Ms Fairfield, whose petition has so far garnered more than 300 signatures, said it is an important community asset.

“Meeching Hall is currently the only substantial vintage building that remains in public ownership. It has been part of the life of Newhaven for many decades,” she said.

“There have been marriages, births and deaths commemorated at the hall.  It is the only building in the town with a stage and is regularly used by two local theatre groups who put on a minimum of five shows per year.

“We are told that Meeching Hall needs substantial maintenance and is too expensive to run so will have to be sold. 

“Why? What happened to the maintenance programme it was funded for?  Why is the massive roof space not insulated to save on heating bills?  Why is the rental income not maximised? 

“Should councillors be voting to sell off the asset rather than make it work for the community?  It is our community asset.”

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Residents who signed the petition spoke of their fondness for the hall

Deborah Kalinke wrote: “Meeching Hall is a beautiful building, one to be used by the community, restored and cherished.”

Clare Craig said: “Newhaven needs to retain long-established community assets like Meeching Hall. This is exactly the sort of venture that the Levelling Up fund should be supporting, to enhance community cohesion and culture.”

William Crawford said: “This theatre is an asset to the community and should be saved.”

A town council spokesman said: “The town council is currently midway in developing its building and estates strategy which is examining its current portfolio of offices and social halls. As yet, no decision(s) have been made regarding any buildings or other assets.”