Seaton Town Council Announces Temporary Closure of the Town Hall for Essential
Safety Improvements
Seaton Town Council regrets to announce a temporary closure of Seaton Town Hall, due
to health and safety concerns. As the owner of the building, the Council leases the
premises to The Gateway Theatre Company & the Axe Valley Heritage Association, both
of which operate within the venue. Safety issues that require immediate action’to
ensure the safety of all building users, have been recently identified and the Council has
been advised by its insurers that, until these issues are resolved, insurance coverage for
the building in its current state will be withdrawn. As a result, the Council has been left
with no option but to temporarily close the Town Hall to all users, until the necessary
remedial works and subsequent inspections have been completed. This decision has
been taken to prioritise public safety and to ensure compliance with all relevant
regulations.
Whilst the responsibility for day-to-day health and safety compliance does not rest with
the Council, as the owner of the building, it takes matters of public safety extremely
seriously and is well aware of the importance of the Town Hall as a community venue.
As such, the Council has already taken action to coordinate the delivery and the funding
of the required works, in order that this venue can reopen safely as soon as possible.
Chair of Seaton Town Council, Cllr Amrik Singh, said:
“The decision to close the Town Hall has not been taken lightly, but public safety is our
top priority. Seaton Town Council, the Gateway Theatre Company and the Axe Valley
Heritage Association are fully committed to working together closely to resolve these
issues as quickly as possible. Whilst the Museum is closed for the winter season, we
understand the impact that the Gateway Theatre closure will have on the community
and are doing everything in our power to facilitate the necessary improvements to
reopen the building safely and promptly.”
Seaton Town Council is committed to keeping the public informed of progress and
regular updates will be provided as and when further information becomes available.
The Council and the Gateway Theatre Company extends its apologies for any
inconvenience caused and appreciates the community’s understanding during this
time.
For further information, please contact:
Julia Mutlow, at townclerk@seaton.gov.uk, Jo Hemery, at deputyclerk@seaton.gov.uk or
Sophia Moseley managerseatongateway@gmail.com