THE sale of a town hall to a private developer has sparked a row between two councils.

Members of Thornaby Town Council, who were outraged by the sale of the Grade II-listed building to Python Properties by Stockton Borough Council, have written a lengthy letter to the Prime Minister and the region’s MPs and MEPs.

They claim the decision will lead to the town losing its spiritual home and that the borough council has prevented them from buying the building for the people of Thornaby.

Stockton Council has refuted the claims, maintaining that Python Properties will invest significantly in the building, unlocking valuable public funds and restoring it to its former glory.

Coun Steve Walmsley, a town and borough councillor, said: “They do not want us to have our own town hall. It’s purely political – they are embarrassed that we have an independent town council and all our borough council members are independent.

“We have put in bids to take over the town hall. We had the backing of a local businessman and could have tapped into the public funding available to Python Properties.

“We would have restored the town hall for the people of Thornaby.

It belongs to the people of this town. Stockton Council are merely custodians and they have neglected their statutory duty to look after this marvellous listed building.

“The yearly rent Python were going to charge the council and the Thornaby Heritage Group to use the hall would have totalled more than £20,000 – you cannot tell me then that they are restoring it for the people.”

Coun Bob Cook, borough council cabinet member for transport and regeneration, defended the decision.

He said: “The fact is a local company, Python Properties, is prepared to invest heavily in creating all the things we could wish for.

“They would restore the former mayor’s parlour and council chamber for their original purpose.

“Facilities for Thornaby Town Council, a heritage group and business units, many of them for small, new enterprises, are also included.

“It is disappointing that Thornaby Town Council do not wish to be at the heart of this redevelopment.

“Let’s be absolutely clear, Python propose substantial investment themselves in this project, which will also unlock the potential of further public funding.

“The result will return the building for use by the people of Thornaby, which is unlikely to happen by any other means.”

Dari Taylor, MP for Stockton South, whose first parliamentary office was in the town hall, said: “I am deeply saddened by the sale of this building.

“If it is right that Thornaby Town Council have been forced out by Python Properties due to unreasonable terms, then that is terrible.

“The council have been in that building since their inception. It is their spiritual home and that of the town.”