STOWMARKET is set for a potential public services spending spree after news that the town's Corn Exchange is to be sold to raise funds.The sale of the building, in Church Walk, will be used to pay for improvements at the Regal Theatre and community centre among other things.

STOWMARKET is set for a potential public services spending spree after news that the town's Corn Exchange is to be sold to raise funds.

The sale of the building, in Church Walk, will be used to pay for improvements at the Regal Theatre and community centre among other things.

The sale is expected to raise around £250,000 in cash for Stowmarket town council which has spent around £200,000 in buying the building and maintaining it since 1994.

The Corn Exchange was intended to be used for a “community purpose” but required a large amount of work and remained unused for a number of years after possible projects were beset by setbacks.

Currently leased by the Stowmarket Operatic and Dramatic Society it is used for the preparation and storage of props and scenery.

Councillor Poppy Robinson, the Town Mayor, said: “While I am disappointed that the town council was unable to use the Corn Exchange, I am very enthusiastic about putting the money raised from the sale of this property to better use on other projects and services”.

Funds raised by the sale will allow the council to pursue other community projects and improve existing facilities.

The Regal Theatre has already benefited from recent renovation work thanks to a grant worth thousands which paid for replacement seats, carpets and curtains.

Stowmarket councillors will decide how to spend any leftover money coming from a completed sale.

n. Are you concerned over the sale or do you think it's a good thing? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

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