Council slammed 'shambolic and inept' over lease delay saga at Nuneaton theatre

[dutchman]

Volunteers say it has led to 'irritation, frustration and, at times, anger'



Nuneaton theatre volunteers have slammed borough council bosses as 'shambolic and inept' over a major lease delay. The Abbey Theatre is run by an army of unpaid locals.

They say they have been left to feel 'irritation, frustration and, at times, anger' over the saga surrounding the community venue in Pool Bank Street. They say that, since 2023, they have been left waiting by the council to renew the lease on the theatre. They say that their frustration has been further compounded by the fact that the Town Hall has agreed or progressed leases on at least seven other of its properties over the past two and a half years.

The committee made a payment of £3,000 to the council back in June towards the lease valuation calculation, but they say that six months later, this has still not been carried out. Speaking at a full council meeting, volunteer Dave Sedgewick said: "This is not acceptable business practice."

He went on to tell the council chamber: "Over the last two and a half years the council's handling of the lease renewal can only be described, at best, as shambolic and inept.

"What commitment and reassurance can the council give to a realistic date for the lease to be agreed and completed?" adding that, if it cannot be done, will they have to wait to see who is in control following the local elections in May next year or even when the future of local government is decided in 2028.

Councillor Nicky King, cabinet member responsible for business and regeneration, responded to the question saying: "While the theatre continues to operate as usual, the council has been sourcing support for this very specialised area. Following the receipt of information it is expected that we will enter into the lease negotiations as early as possible."

Councillor Kris Wilson asked for the lease issue to be debated at a scrutiny meeting, which was agreed.

https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/news/local-news/council-slammed-shambolic-inept-over-33037633