Councillor’s dismay at delay to Glaxo Club fight-back

An attempt to place an asset of community value (ACV) order on GSK Sports & Social Club has been delayed.

As things stand, the sports and social club will close at the end of the year following a surprise announcement from the global healthcare company late last month.

Cllr Chris Foote-Wood, who is the Durham County Council representative for Barnard Castle and also has a seat on the town council, wants to keep Glaxo Club open.

One of the things he wants to do to save the club is to initiate the process that would lead to an ACV order, which means the local community would be informed if the building is listed for sale within a five-year period.

If so, the community can then enact its right to bid, which gives them six months to determine if they can raise the finance to buy the building.

There is no suggestion, however, that GSK has any intention of selling the site of the sports and social club.

On Monday an extraordinary meeting of Barnard Castle Town Council took place to debate a motion proposed by Cllr Foote-Wood and seconded by Cllr Lee Stenson.

The proposal was as follows: “That Barnard Castle Town Council make an urgent application to Durham County Council for Glaxo Sports & Social Club and its associated land and buildings to be designated an asset of community value…”

Following a debate, members agreed an amended proposal which stated the decision to approach the county council to request an ACV would be delayed.

That was to allow time for town council representatives to speak to GSK management to establish in more detail what the company’s plans are for the site when the club closes.

GSK’s initial statement said the buildings and surrounding land would be taken into “direct company use”.

The sports and social club committee responded by insisting it was fully committed to safeguarding the future of the club and protecting members’ interests.

Cllr Foote-Wood was disappointed by the town council’s decision.

Speaking as the town’s county councillor, he said: “I am deeply disappointed and profoundly saddened by the decision of Barnard Castle Town Council to delay making a decision on my urgent request.

“Instead, the town council has decided to first meet with GSK before making a decision on my motion.

“This is a deplorable decision which will only hasten the demise of a long-standing and much-loved major community asset.”

The Mercury contacted GSK regarding the town council’s plan but the spokesman was only able to repeat the statement that was made last month.

That included the following explanation: “We need to make sure we’re making the best use of our land and facilities to support current and future operations.”