Future secured for village asset after doubts
A community hub which faced an uncertain future will be open for many years to come, the parish council says.
Heckington Pavilion on Cowgate hosts sports events, markets and camping weekends on its playing fields and function room.
John Warrilow and Alison Ogden took over the running of it two years ago and are credited with turning it into a “thriving community asset”.
However residents in the village were warned last week that the parish council owners and the tenants couldn’t agree on a lease.
They have now come together to form a CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) with a long-term lease, opening the door to more improvements in the future.
John and Alison posted on Facebook: “This a very positive way forward for the Pavilion and playing fields .
“In very simple terms, it means the Pavilion’s future as home to its cricket, football teams and as a place for the community will be secured for many years.”
Heckington Parish Council welcomed the breakthrough, saying it would “enable greater community ownership and involvement in the future management and development of the pavilion and playing fields”.
They added: “We recognise the importance of these facilities to the local community and look forward to seeing the developments of the CIO to ensure a sustainable, transparent and positive future.
“We’ve seen how a similar charitable model has been successfully applied to [Heckington] Windmill and look forward to the future.”
Local businessman Mark Whitton proposed the CIO solution and will take a leading role in it.
“I’m deeply committed to ensuring the long-term future and growth of the pavilion and playing fields for the whole community,” he said in a statement posted online.
“The proposed CIO will allow us to unlock funding, strengthen governance and reinvest every pound raised back into improving the facilities.
“This is not about replacing what works, but about protecting and building on it. The pavilion has been part of my life for over 40 years, and I want future generations to have the same opportunities to play, meet and belong here.”
The Local Democracy Reporting Service contacted the parish council for further comment.