Joe Peall is fighting to save The Polygon Centre in Alfreton from being sold, aiming to keep it a vital community hub.
The auction was delayed several times, then disappeared from the auction website. The building is important to many townspeople, and the asking price was over £75,000. Joe thought raising the money was possible.
Joe started fundraising with community help, and created a petition for the council. He wanted them to keep the building. In months, he raised a lot of money and even had some money left over. One final step remains.
He wrote a letter for people to sign. The letter urges the council to accept the bid, as he hopes it stays a community hub. The Centre was a youth center, a safe place for young people.
The community wants to keep it open and available for future generations. Joe wants many people to sign the letter to show community support for the proposal.
The building has an odd shape. Joe teaches music, and the building could be used for many things. He suggests music lessons and youth clubs. Local charities also want the building, and he believes local people should manage it.
The council can empower communities by supporting the bid. Joe is amazed by the campaign’s success, but not surprised by the support. Alfreton has a fantastic community.
Good people help each other make change. Joe met great helpers, which is incredibly encouraging to him. He hopes others are inspired to make changes, because a strong group can achieve anything.
Derbyshire County Council issued a statement stating they are talking with parties about selling. The Polygon Centre is a valued community asset, and the council told Amber Valley about the sale.
This starts a six-month period, ending May 19. Eligible groups can submit offers, and they are talking with groups about buying it. This would happen outside the auction process.
The sale is part of a building review. The council sells unneeded buildings and land, and reinvests the money. This protects jobs and reduces debt. The Centre hasn’t held community activities recently, only used as an office.