Welcome to Seaton

I think the "key" here is the tenant has not been managing the building properly, as it clearly states in the press release. As someone helping to run an organisation severely affected by this situation and aware of some of the issues, I can only say that STC has been very helpful in keeping me appraised of the facts and likely impact. STC is also owning getting this resolved, where the Gateway Theatre Company Ltd has failed.

So the landlord (STC) is laying the blame on the tenant. They should have their own inspection regime in place and if so this situation would have been rectified some time ago.

I have to comment here, as a regular user of the Gateway, with our taekwondo club. This statement from the council does at least outline who is responsible. In my experience, most commercial premises (of which I have a reasonable amount of experience), start a conversation with a potential tenant and the terms and conditions are clearly outlined before any agreements take place or before any contracts are signed. The secrecy behind the closure and nobody admitting ownership to the problem has left a sour taste with most people, so reading this at least gives a little honest clarity. I have spent hours, if not days trying to find suitable venues that can hold the students I have, with enough room to facilitate us. Fortunately I think we may be in a position to crack on with training now, but there has been no offer of help or even any real care shown, considering we are a non for profit club, running for the good of the community. The whole experience has been very stressful. The thought of losing our club, after spending 6 years building it was simply an unacceptable option. Traditionally, January is when clubs like our attract new students, but with no regular training hall to advertise, that's not to be this year. Anyway, that's off my chest now! Hopefully it will be a great year for everyone... If the council want to hand over the Town Hall to us for a full time Olympic tkd training gym, we would be happy to chat about it! 😬🤣

www.marinetheatre.com/acantha-lang/

Very upset by this, many local crafters spend months getting ready for this event, as do many locals look forward to this event all year. The fair is likely to be moved but unfortunately will be on a much smaller scale, updates to follow. Seems ridiculous these “health & safety issues” have only been realised less than 24hrs before the fair is due to start. As others have commented, what is the actual issue? The Gateway Staff/Volunteers put so much time and effort into organising this amazing local event too, I feel so sorry all their efforts have been dashed against the wall. Such an amazing local, community event and a great opportunity to support local small businesses too. Please keep an eye out for updates! 🎄

so what needs to be done and why is it so urgent?

James Thomas xx