“Often described by may as ‘jewel in South Norwood’s crown’, Stanley Halls is a beautiful grade II listed building close to the centre of the suburb. The facility is a multi purpose venue which hosts an eclectic variety of performances throughout the years. The building is managed and owned by Croydon Borough Council.”
What a fantastic description of a wonderful historic building that stands within South Norwood, unfortunately Croydon Council don’t agree. They have fully embraced the ‘Big Society’ principles and encouraged tenders from community groups to manage the building.
Fuck me what a cop out, if this had been leafy South Croydon they would have begged & borrowed to keep it open. The demographic is not desirable to the Tory Council of Croydon and they have continually pissed on South Norwood with their local policies. Gavin Barwell the local MP seems more concerned about Shirley as this also fits the ‘white middle class’ hegemony that infiltrates the Tories. The resident’s of South Norwood should not buy into the ‘Big Society’ idea, it is pure manipulation with the aim being ‘the Council tried everything it could to save the Halls’ without shouldering any of the blame for neglect of duty to a historical building.
There is a public meeting at Stanley Hall tonight to discuss it’s future, however their is no one attending from the Council, so I’m sure it will raise more questions than answers. Unfortunately I don’t have any answers but I’m sure playing the Tories game will lead to nothing but broken promises.
Jason E Cooper 