Martin: Pump Room for people not profit (Cheltenham Liberal Democrats)

Cheltenham Liberal Democrats <info@cheltlibdems.org.uk>

Martin: Pump Room for people not profit

January 29, 2007 4:51 PM

Cheltenham MP Martin Horwood has told Pittville residents, music lovers and other local campaigners that he wants to see the Pump Room kept open to the public and in use as one of Europe's finest chamber music venues. The historic building has hosted a multitude of community events and is a prestige venue for the International Festival of Music, attracting star performers and many visitors to the town. But it does make a large loss each year.

Martin delivered a protest petition to Tory council leader Duncan Smith and asked for assurances that local societies would still be able to book the popular regency building and that it would still be available as a music venue. "A responsible council has to look at the Pump Room's finances" said Martin "but their consultants are openly talking about converting the Pump Room into a commercial hotel. How could that possibly be open to the public? The Pump Room is the last of the town's historic spa buildings which hasn't been sold or demolished. It belongs to all of us and perhaps it shouldn't have to turn a profit. After all it delivers enjoyment to so many people in so many different ways."