Story: Saleema Imam & Lisa Swift
Burngreave Vestry Hall refurbishment reached the last lap recently, but there are concerns that little is planned for the provision at the Centre.
Lord Mayor Councillor Jackie Drayton joined members of the Vestry Hall Trust and Burngreave New Deal to unveil a plaque to celebrate the completion of the rooms fronting Burngreave Road. In an emotional speech, the Lord Mayor recalled holding councillors surgeries in the building in years gone by and said how proud and delighted she was to see the building returning to the place it once held as the community focus.
However, Sally Seymour, the officer with responsibility for steering the Vestry Hall was dismissed by New Deal in May after less than a year in post and with nothing in place for delivery of adult education. Asked whether he was concerned that there was still no deal with Sheffield College, New Deal Chief John Clark said a New Deal task group of three staff members had been set up.
“Nothing has been set up with the main education providers yet but we will be meeting them soon. We expect to have involvement from Sheffield College, Learn Direct, WEA and the universities. I’m confident a programme of courses will be in place ready for the opening in September. Space will be available to book for running short courses, keep fit, events and weddings. A new Centre Manager will be recruited to coordinate this.
“We hope to get £25,000-£50,000 per year from Tesco to help run the centre, as well as providing a venue for them to train their employees. Of all the projects we’re doing, this is the one people are most exciting about. It’s very high profile. I’m confident it will happen on time.”