Having lived in Caterham all my life I am appalled that Tandridge District Council should entertain the idea of not accepting the bid from the Soper Hall Community Centre group which is clearly the best option for the community of Caterham. The Soper Hall was built nearly 100 years, partly by public subscription, for the use of the community. The building is of sound structure and the proposals for the upgrading of the Soper Hall would serve the WHOLE community not just 100 or so people with restricted use for others. One big advantage, in partnership with Surrey County Council, to have the Library situated within the building would vastly improve the ability of members of the community to use the facilities. I have heard comments from people that they would use the library if more accessible than in its present location where there is very little parking and is out of the way, whereas in the Soper Hall’s location there is ample parking and visits combined with shopping could be made. Last Saturday in Church Walk shopping precinct members of the community were asking where they could sign the petition, there was much enthusiasm about the prospect of having the facilities in the centre of the town. In excess of 4,000 signatures have been received which speaks for itself. This is an opportunity that should not to be missed.

Anyone in Church Walk, Caterham last Saturday (9th July), would have certainly heard comments about the Council if this bid by the Soper Hall Community Centre Ltd. to SAVE THE SOPER HALL is not accepted to further such a wonderful opportunity for the WHOLE community in the centre of Caterham, which was the original intention.

I had always considered Tandridge District Council to have the interests of the community at heart but to miss such an opportunity would reflect badly, particularly after the great improvements recently made to The Square and Croydon Road.

B Smythe – Caterham resident