Tuesday 7 March 2023

PLANNING councillors meeting next Monday will be recommended to approve proposals to transform Beverley Treasure House into a “hub” that will see existing council services brought under one roof. Under the plans, the Treasure House will be renamed the Beverley Hub and will include a new customer service centre and enhanced library while the council’s registration services will relocate from Walkergate House. 

Beverley Town Council has raised concerns about the future of Champney Gardens  if the plans go ahead and wants guarantees that the public will still have access to the gardens at all times. In comments to East Riding Council’s Eastern Area Planning Sub-Committee it said: “The garden adjacent to Walkergate House (the current home of the Registry Office) was once open to the public. However, as weddings at the Registry Office became increasingly popular and the garden was used more for photographs, it ended up being shut off to the community at all times, with permanently locked gates.” 

And their comments continued: “The Town Council fears that the same may happen to the Champney Road gardens, or at least part of them, due to the issue of those having wedding photos not wanting members of the public in the background or in the way.” 

A report to next Monday’s meeting confirmed there would be three areas where access could be restricted when events such as weddings are held but said a large area to the front of the building would have public access at all times.

HOUSEHOLDS using oil or LPG gas as their main source of heating may be able to claim help with bills under a second round of funding now available via East Riding Council. More information from 07918 147006 or by emailing oil@hwrcc.org.uk