PLANS to put historic Forty Hall into the hands of a trust have been axed by Enfield Council.

The new Conservative council leader Cllr Mike Rye this week announced that the management of the 17th century Jacobean building will remain within the Civic Centre.

Cllr Rye has dramatically reversed the decision made by the previous Labour administration, which would have seen Forty Hall run by a trust made up of public figures and volunteers.

Forty Hall will now be controlled by a council-appointed manager and officer resources will be pooled to develop the venue and its grounds as a leading heritage visitor attraction with a horticultural theme.

Cllr Rye said: "Forty Hall is close to the hearts of the people of Enfield, and to this administration.

"We are determined to work with the local community to provide public access to this lovely building, and to ensure the hall achieves its full potential."

The building, once owned by the Parker-Bowles family, has had a cloud over its long-term future for some time and is currently on the 'at risk' register of English Heritage.

After its annual budget of £40,000 was cut by the council three years ago, volunteers kept the building open at weekends.

Cllr Rye hopes to involve them in the newly-formed Friends of Forty Hall group.

Cllr Rye said: "I must pay special tribute to the sterling support of the volunteers who have helped to keep the hall open.

"We will be forming a Friends of Forty Hall group which we hope former trust members, volunteers and interested parties will join to help us keep Forty Hall open for years to come for the enjoyment of everyone. Together we can bring back the pride to this beautiful and historical building."

Claire Lewis, the council's assistant director of leisure, said: "Forty Hall has always been the jewel in Enfield's crown. It is important that we value and protect unique buildings like this so that future generations can enjoy them and local people can benefit from them."

It has been mooted that the building will become the venue for the registrar's office and be used for weddings.

And it is unclear whether the council will continue the work of the trust on various levels.

The trust planned to prepare a conservation plan for Forty Hall, establish an events and exhibitions policy and programme and undertake a 17th century-style restoration of the building.

July 10, 2002 17:30