THE organiser of a new campaign to stop the relocation of Crosfield Hall has said the initial feedback has been 'very positive'. 

On Friday, February 16, Hilary Philbin and Keith Lawrenson launched a petition to pressure civic chiefs to amend plans for revamping the town centre.

The online version had been signed by 57 people by Wednesday, February 21. Mrs Philbin told the Advertiser she was unsure how many had signed the paper copies, at six Romsey businesses, as she was away, but had left space for 400 signatures in each location. 

She said: “I'm very pleased with how the petition has started, feedback from people has been very positive. I'm glad people are finding out about it and showing support.

“The feedback from the businesses who have the paper petition was very good, they were very happy to have the petition. 

READ MORE: Crosfield Hall: Petition launched to save hall from demolition

“There is enough space for 400 people to sign at each business, and I will be replenishing them. 

“This shows that people are in favour of keeping the Crosfield Hall where it is and how important it is for local people.”

Petitions are available at: The Green Room Hair & Beauty; The Exchange Restaurant; BellRay Hair Design; FW Kersey & Son, Jewellers; Fig & Fox; and Curves Fitness Club for Women.

Also at testvalley.gov.uk/aboutyourcouncil/localdemocracy/petitions. 

On the online version, it said: “We the undersigned petition the council to ensure that the Crosfield Hall is either (a) retained – refurbished or not, or (b) rebuilt – on its current site or elsewhere in the existing town centre. We are opposed to the proposal to demolish the Crosfield Hall and rebuild it on the far side of the by-pass.

“The Crosfield Hall plays a significant role in Romsey daily life. It is used for business meetings, playgroups, dinner dances, weddings, craft fairs, exercise classes, theatre groups, celebrations, fashion shows, quiz nights, U3A meetings, local groups, sports clubs, choirs, concerts, council committees and many more. This popular facility is now under threat.”

Plans are moving forward to move the Crosfield Hall to the Rapids site, and build new car parks and new flats. 

The scheme is focussed around the area south of the town centre including the bus station and Aldi.

The proposal has attracted strong opposition with many people writing to the Romsey Advertiser in objection to the hall being moved. Residents say they don't want it to move, only modernised. 

The current Crosfield Hall will not be demolished until the new one at the Rapids site is built. 

The online petition will run until April 2.