Sir, – Readers will be aware of long running negotiations between Barnard Castle Town Council (BCTC) and Durham County Council (DCC) over the future of Woodleigh. This imposing Victorian villa on Scar Top was acquired for the benefit of the people of Barnard Castle in 1939.

Since then it has had many functions, housing the council offices, the tourist information centre, the Fitzhugh Library and, most recently, The Witham whilst the Witham Hall was being modernised. Now Woodleigh is standing empty, its future uncertain, attracting anti-social behaviour and at risk of vandalism.

Durham County Council, the owners of the building, see a commercial lease as their preferred option but little interest has been shown. The town council has come up with a joint venture plan prepared in partnership with Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and the Association of Teesdale Day Clubs (ATDC). The plan demonstrates a commitment to the use of Woodleigh as a public asset.

As a community hub, the building would provide customer access to BCTC and CAB and administrative space to ATDC. Other rooms could be made available for public meetings and community events at affordable rates. Resources could be pooled, outgoings shared and the future assured for this town landmark to the benefit of both the town and the county.

You can show your support for the new joint venture plan by signing the petition to DCC. Copies will be available in Barnard Castle at the Post Office, The Hayloft, Curlews Book Shop and The Mission Hall.

ELIZABETH GOTT

Barnard Castle.