CAMPAIGNERS for Druitt Hall presented a petition with more than 1,000 signatures to councillors, in support of the hall’s continued use.

At a meeting of the full council on Tuesday evening, members of the Friends of Druitt Hall walked to the council offices with banners and placards carrying the message “Save Druitt Hall”.

Their chairman David O’Sullivan also gave an impassioned speech to the councillors before he presented the petition to Mayor of Christchurch Sue Spittle.

At a meeting of the resources committee on February 1, councillors voted to close Druitt Hall in March 2013, despite the protests of many local residents.

Mr O’Sullivan told the committee about a covenant protecting the hall and said the option of moving classes and groups, currently using Druitt Hall, would not fulfil the terms of the covenant.

“Anything involving stairs is quite unsuitable for many of the activities and clubs currently at the Druitt Hall: Age Concern’s Friendship Club, Monday Country Market, Archery Club and Aviation Society,” he said.

“The economic argument has no foundation. Christchurch Housing Association advised that the hall ran at a small loss annually – a few hundred pounds.

“The council’s figures for the coming year of £9,370 are largely nominal. The report advises that far greater costs will accrue in subsequent years – £20,000-plus to keep the hall.

“But this assumes putting in new kitchens, disabled access and loos etc.

“None of these are immediately essential and the council’s own survey reported the building is basically quite sound.”

He added: “Community is a valuable resource. Without affordable places to meet there can be no community.

“Druitt Hall is a great resource not to be squandered lightly.

“Druitt Hall is part of the soul of Christchurch. To lose it would be a major blow to the life-blood of the community.”

Four supporters of Druitt Hall also asked questions of council leader, Cllr Ray Nottage, which he answered during the meeting.