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According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, MPUT trustee Andy Kershaw said: "The fact that the hall is not going to be brought back into productive use is deeply disappointing to us". He said those who visit the park daily can see the "deterioration of this historic and much-loved building which is facing yet another winter without essential repairs and maintenance". Mr Kershaw said the group remained opposed to a private sale or any move which would take the hall out of council ownership. "MPUT has merged with the friends of Meersbrook Hall and we'd like to understand whether there is support for a new specific MPUT Meersbrook Hall Working Group to continue working on trying to identify options for the future of the hall in partnership with the council." Ms Horobin said the council had been reviewing its approach to community asset management and the "potential for some community buildings to be transferred into community ownership". The Community Buildings policy is set to be approved "by the end of the year" and would require community organisations to submit a "comprehensive business plan" describing their ability to manage the building.
