Coombe Abbey could be put up for sale...

Coventry City Council may look to flog off some of its prized assets in an effort to pay off debts



One site potentially earmarked for sale includes Coombe Abbey Park, purchased by the council 50 years ago.

The privately-run four-star hotel at the site received a seven-figure loan bailout from the council last year as it struggled to meet its bank debt, and its in line for a further six-figure council loan for energy-efficiency modifications.

Coun Gannon said: “Coombe Abbey is an interesting one. There’s an argument, should we be involved in running hotels?

“But we would need to be very careful over any sale of Coombe Abbey. The state of the hotel market at the moment means it could be an example of selling something valuable at a rock bottom price.

“If someone came to us and said they would be happy to run it, we would look at any proposal, but we would have to be careful about what that actually meant.

“It is an asset which is close to a lot of people’s hearts in the city. Selling it off without any concern for the future could be problematic.

“We wouldn’t support anything that didn’t keep it open to the public.”

Despite political assurances to the contrary, we are still in a financially precarious state. Any selling off of the city assets will likely result in less than favourable terms.

However, I'd like to remind the arrogant Gannon, that the assets of this city were paid for by the citizens and that selling the family silver off without consultation is not on. Gannon needs to remember who pays his wages, and that he is here to serve the citizens of Coventry, not the other way around.

Coombe Abbey up for two national accolades at annual CHS awards night



COOMBE ABBEY has continued its winning streak of national, regional and trade recognition after being shortlisted for two major awards.

Finalists have been announced for the annual CHS awards and the Warwickshire country house will be in with a chance of picking up two accolades.

Taking place on Wednesday (May 25) at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel, the awards recognise the nation’s best hotels and venues and allows them to showcase their facilities to an audience of prospective clients.

In total, 19 categories have been chosen which honour the industry’s finest leisure facilities, catering companies and guest experiences.

Coombe Abbey is up for Best Independent Venue and the hotel’s privately owned Lindley Suite, which has previously hosted music legends Bruce Springsteen and David Bowie, has been shortlisted for the Best Classical Bedroom award.

The nomination follows the creation of 40 jobs in Coventry and Warwickshire and the increase of weddings by nine per cent and corporate events by 13 per cent.

Ron Terry, general manager of Coombe Abbey, said: “In the last year alone the hotel has won or been shortlisted for no less than eight awards on a regional and national scale as well as within the industry.

“We are delighted that the team’s dedication to providing a memorable experience is receiving more recognition by a national industry expert.”