Following the vacation of Victoria Hall by Radstock Town Council, a survey to determine the condition of the building has now been conducted.
An extensive professional survey of the electrical system of the building has revealed potentially dangerous defects which require urgent action. These defects contravene minimum national electrical safety standards and make the system unsafe to use. The survey recommends that the electricity supply is turned off until the electrical system can be returned to a satisfactory condition.
Given the fact that public safety is paramount and the report identifies a clear danger of fire or risk of death, the Council regrettably has no choice other than to close the building to public use.
They will be contacting current users to help them relocate to alternative premises, although it will not be possible to relocate the snooker tables. Before undertaking any electrical repairs or new installations asbestos will have to be removed. The Council will endeavour to remove this asbestos during the consultation period to mitigate the effects of delay to any further development works which may be required when the consultation is finished and a future use of the Hall has been decided.
It was always anticipated that there would be significant financial costs to bring the building up to modern standards to support any future use and the Cabinet remains committed to identifying the funding required.
