Further to your report (August 1) concerning the future of Grange Court may I contribute some positive comments about this iconic Leominster building and those who are trying to keep it afloat as a public resource?

Though my wife is one of the long-suffering trustees my interest is simply that of a long-time admirer of the timber-framed gem in our midst. In past years I led local heritage walks and would always include it on the route so to wax lyrical over the court’s wonderful 17th century carvings.

I applaud the foresight of the movers and shakers who launched the ambitious and costly restoration scheme. Sadly, they’ve now largely moved on. Fresh volunteers have had to step in to the breach to try and find a way forward for a public amenity which is saddled with several hundred thousand pounds worth of debt.

The volunteers and their handful of part-time staff are working hard to make Grange Court buzz - its development as a weddings venue, for example, is bearing fruit. Interest rates permitting, that burdensome debt could steadily be paid off.

Leominster Town Council could, if it so wished, take out a Public Works Loan to secure the future of one of Leominster’s most important buildings. Public works loans come with the benefit of a low interest rate which could help ease Grange Court’s financial burden considerably.

The town council evidently got its procedures in a twist by excluding the HT reporter from discussions without prior formal notice. Knowing many of the individuals, including the councillors, who are doing their best to solve the Grange Court problem I would be surprised if anyone was deliberately setting out to ‘keep residents in the dark’ No doubt they were trying to get their ducks in a row on a difficult financial matter. If they are minded to go for a Public Works Loan to help Grange Court they would, anyway, have to put their proposal to the public.

As I write the matter remains unresolved. Here’s hoping a way forward can be found.

Pete Blench

Leominster