MP continues to fight for community ownership of Sedbergh centre

Local MP Tim Farron has pledged to continue his fight to keep 72 Main Street in Sedbergh in local hands after the National Park rejected a community rescue plan and put the property on the open market.

Local community group Sedbergh Townscape Initiative had raised £60,000 to purchase 72 Main Street which houses the town's tourist information and local community centre. The building at 72 Main Street in Sedbergh is currently home to many local community groups and charities.

But the National Park rejected the bid and has now put the property on to the open market. Tim is campaigning to persuade the national park to back the community bid and save the building for Sedbergh.

Speaking today, Tim said: "Even at this stage National Park bosses can change their minds and do what is best for the people of Sedbergh. Evelyn Westwood and the Townscape Initiative have found £60,000 to keep the building in public ownership and save a vital community asset. I will keep campaigning until we save it for local groups. Many local residents have said to me in the course of this campaign why should anyone support expansion of the national park boundaries if they won't look after their existing communities? It is time the National Park Authority heeds these calls and keeps this property in community hands for local to use."