No one envisaged that it would be used as an opportunity for the unjustifiable enrichment of a commercial enterprise.

Hersham Village Community Hall and Club, acquired by Elmbridge Borough Council in 1985 as part of a planning gain, has served as a hub for various activities and events for local residents over the past 35 years. However, in 2017, the council made the decision to close the hall due to health and safety concerns. Unexpectedly, this closure has led to its transformation into a commercial enterprise, much to the dismay of many Hersham residents who seek to reclaim this vital community asset and restore its original purpose.

It’s disheartening when community spaces are repurposed in ways that diverge from their intended use. The sentiments of Hersham residents echo the importance of preserving such spaces for the benefit of the community. Hopefully, there can be a resolution that  honours both safety considerations and the community’s needs.