‘Falkirk Needs a Town Hall’ message from local arts groups

Without one they believe many organisations – such as Falkirk Operatic Society, Falkirk Tryst Orchestra, Falkirk Bohemians, Falkirk Festival Chorus and Falkirk and Caledonia Choir – could cease to exist.

It could also leave local dance schools without a suitable venue for their displays and mean that few professional shows will be able to come to the town.

A demonstration has been called for next Wednesday at Falkirk’s municipal buildings when councillors will set a budget for the year ahead – and those who care about having a town hall are urged to make their voices heard by gathering outside.

Members of Falkirk’s many arts groups have been told that expected cuts of £20 million to the council’s revenue budget and £2.7 million to its capital budget will leave it facing difficult choices.

And the lack of cash could jeopardise plans to replace Falkirk’s ageing town hall with a modern arts centre, local arts groups have been warned.

Members of Falkirk and District Arts & Civic Council have been told by a senior official with Falkirk Community Trust that there is a real possibility the budget will mean the existing town hall may be forced to close without a suitable replacement in place.

“I find it unbelievable that a town the size of Falkirk and with its proud heritage might end up with no town hall or focal point for its cultural activities,” said John Paterson, the arts and civic council’s vice-chair.

Falkirk Opera Society member Elizabeth Donald said: “Falkirk would be culturally impoverished without its town hall.

“Once we have lost it we’ll never get it back – where will our young people all perform? It’s so short-sighted!”

Irene Langlands, of Stenhouse School of Dance, said she agreed wholeheartedly and added: “We have got lots of kids who come here to display their work during the year but it’s not just for the people on stage – it’s all the people who come along to see them.

“The kids who take part are not just performing – they are also learning team work, discipline, manners and looking out for each other!

“For a child who has a hard life, taking part in these shows is an outlet for them … I actually feel very emotional talking about it, it’s really so important.”

The organisations agree that it’s not just children who benefit and that for many adults taking part in performance has huge benefits for their mental health and well-being.

Mr Paterson added that it was not just performances that would be lost.

He said: “Many other community activities take place there such as business forums, educational activities, displays and exhibitions which may be lost to the town if no suitable venue is provided. ”

Barry Smart, of the Big Band Theory, said it was time to be more forward thinking.

He said: “If they develop the town hall it would contribute to the economy and they could be attracting acts into Falkirk alongside local people.”

The proposal to build a replacement council headquarters and arts centre – which would replace the town hall – was agreed more than a year ago, with £45 million being set aside.

Since then, however, the cost looks more like being at least £53 million and possibly as high as £70 million.

The SNP administration say that new buildings in the heart of the town would boost both daytime and nighttime economies and revitalise the town centre but both Labour and Conservative groups have doubts about the project’s affordability.

Falkirk Council will meet to discuss the budget in detail on Wednesday and members of the Arts and Civic Council would welcome support for their demonstration outside the council chambers.