SNPC Purchase Bid Accepted – Zion Methodist Church

South Normanton Parish Council are delighted to announce that our bid to purchase the Zion Methodist Church in South Normanton has been accepted, and we are working with the Church and the solicitors to progress the sale.

It is our understanding that a variety of purchasers have shown an interest, from “Retailers”, “Wholesalers” and “Publicans” to name but three. We were determined to keep the building as a “Community” building in the heart of South Normanton and are also looking to incorporate our Parish Office into the building.

We are also looking to open the building up to user groups such as “Parents and Toddlers”, Youth Groups (particularly those tackling Anti-Social Behaviour), Mental Health Charities plus other groups who want to achieve positive outcomes for the people of South Normanton.

We plan to initially finance the purchase and work required with a £500,000 loan from Bolsover District Council. This will then be repaid with a long-term loan from the Public Works Loan Board after Public Consultation.

To finance this purchase and to install new CCTV throughout the Village, we have increased this year’s Precept by £55,000. This sum will cover the loan repayments (£30,000) and new CCTV (£25,000). We are working closely with Bolsover District Council on a Feasibility Study for the CCTV and their Procurement Team are helping us to ensure that best practice and value are achieved.

The majority of households in South Normanton are either Band A or B and there will be a weekly increase to them of between 22p and 26p. We fully understand that this is most unwelcome in these difficult times. The purchase of the Zion will keep the building for the use of the “community” and enable us to make substantial savings on rent by having our parish office within. The installation of CCTV will assist in crime prevention and offer some “peace of mind” to residents.