Ivan Lewis Demands Compulsory Purchase of the former Whitefield Town Hall

Ivan Lewis is calling on Bury Council to compulsory purchase the former Whitefield Town Hall.  The landmark local building has lay derelict for many years after two local business people purchased the site.   They had wanted to turn it into a Nursing Home but planning problems followed by years of inaction has meant the site has deteriorated and is now in very poor condition.  In the past there have been arson attacks and serious act of vandalism which have caused damage to a once beautiful building. 

Two and a half years ago Bury Council Leader Bob Bibby publicly pledged to make sure progress was made urgently to allow the development of the site.  Subsequently there has been no progress.

Ivan Lewis stated:

“It is time the Council acted swiftly to ensure this landmark local site is developed for the benefit of Whitefield.  Councillor Bibby assured me and local residents the Council would work with the co-owners to address planning problems and ensure a positive development on the site. But two and a half years on nothing has happened.  I am now calling on Bury MBC to initiate immediate legal proceedings to obtain a compulsorily purchase order.  This would mean that the Council and community will have the chance to redevelop the site for a use which would boost Whitefield socially and commercially.  The Council and the owners have had more than enough time to come up with a positive scheme.  Enough is enough.”