Vestry fires

By Mark Lankshear

During March there were two fires at the Vestry Hall. Built in 1864, this Grade 2 listed building was closed by the Council in 1996.

Since 1998, the Vestry Hall Trust have been planning to renovate and reopen the Vestry Hall as a Learning Centre. Renovation costs stand at £1.1 million, possibly more with the fire damage and the Trust is worried that the Council have still not made the building secure. The Trust hope that New Deal will support their plans for renovation to start in April 2003. After six years of meeting every 2 weeks, and nearly £40 000 already spent, the energy of volunteers is nearly exhausted. If you want to help reopen this historic landmark, contact the Vestry Hall Trust at Abbeyfield House on 2422552.

Find out more about Local People and Projects in Burngreave. What do you think? Join the debate on our Local People and Projects bulletin board.