Hall may get money from council coffers

Aug 30 2008 by Dave Black, The Journal

COUNCIL tax could be used to help save a North East architectural masterpiece for the nation.

The National Trust has pledged £6.9m to safeguard Seaton Delaval Hall providing that a public fundraising appeal brings in a further £6.3m.

Now the campaign could be given a boost by Blyth Valley Borough Council, the local authority in whose area the Vanbrugh-designed baroque masterpiece is located. Cabinet members will decide on Tuesday whether to sanction a ‘substantial financial contribution’ to the appeal from the council’s own coffers.

It is one of three options which have been tabled by officers in a bid to allow the council to add some impetus to the fundraising drive. The others are allowing council staff to organise fundraising activities during working hours and adopting the Seaton Delaval Hall appeal as an official council campaign, via fundraising activities and events.

Cabinet members will be recommended to officially confirm the council’s support for the National Trust’s acquisition of the 18th Century hall. The report says a financial contribution from the council’s balances would provide impetus to the campaign and give a lead for other organisations and individuals to follow. Meanwhile, visitors are to be allowed inside Seaton Delaval Hall free of charge on Friday, September 12, in a bid to drum up more public support for the fundraising campaign. The initiative is part of the national Heritage Open Days scheme from September 11 to 14.

Yesterday Neil Richardson, chairman of Blyth Valley Heritage Network, which is running the local open days scheme, said: “This is an exciting time for heritage in Blyth Valley, the opportunity to secure the future of our very own architectural masterpiece is within our grasp.”

Public meetings will be held next month in Seghill community centre (Wednesday 3), Seaton Sluice community centre (Thursday 4), Seaton Delaval community centre (Thursday 11), Cramlington’s Concordia leisure centre (Tuesday 16), New Hartley memorial hall (Friday 19) and the Phoenix Theatre in Blyth (Wednesday 24), all starting at 7pm, to allow locals to have their say.

The Journal is backing the appeal and a website address has been set up at www.journallive.co.uk/seatondelavalhall