From the first stage survey concluded in October last year, out of the 1700-plus responses, which included the schools, no one raised the issue of the town hall.

At the Town Plan Open Day held in April 2008, of the 39 people who visited the Town Environment stand, 14 recorded their views regarding refurbishment of the town hall as the preferred solution.

At the Summer Market the Town Plan Steering Group conducted a further survey, 250-plus responses were completed and the following results were recorded: some 85 per cent agreed we must have a town hall; 50 per cent called for a refurbishment; some people wanted to see wider consultation and reasonable expenditure rather than refurbishment at any cost; some 45 per cent indicated that a new build was the preferred solution; a small percentage said they would be happy with demolition and a council tax reduction.
The Horncastle Town Plan Steering Group was formed in July 2007 and has devoted itself to recording the aspirations and concerns of the town through surveys, public consultations, and public meetings.

In May 2008 ELDC set up their own steering group to consider the future of the Horncastle Town Hall and consult with the town council, county council, other groups and agencies, the Town Plan Steering Group, and we understand the Save the Town Hall Group who organized the June 27 meeting.
The Town Plan Steering Group has no political/activist aspirations.

Members of the public should know that it is strongly represented by professionals well versed in built environment matters and the processes connected with them.
The group includes town residents who have professional experience in architecture, engineering, surveying and town planning, and are capable not only of gathering information on residents' needs and aspirations but also interpreting and recording them in a manner that local authorities and other organisations can understand and act upon.

Richard Barker
Chairman of the Horncastle Town Plan Steering Group