Aspland and Marcon Estates Tenants' and Residents' Association had campaigned against the Council's planned sale, which was announced last September but has now been withdrawn. The TRA presented a deputation to the Council's Housing Sub-Committee in December, and collected over 100 signatures on a petition against the sale.

Janine Booth, Chairperson of Aspland and Marcon TRA, said: "Residents were not prepared to allow a working-class community facility to be sacrificed on the altar of short-term financial gain. We hope that our success will inspire others facing similar attacks by the Council to take action. It is well worth it."

The Tenants' and Residents' Association was launched only as recently as last September, when it immediately found itself confronted with the prospect of the hall being sold. Lorraine Fontaine, TRA Secretary, added: "It is great that we can now concentrate on developing the hall as a centre of community activity
and solidarity, rather than having to spend our time stopping the Council from selling it. We are setting up a toddler group, a youth club and a homework club, and we also plan to run advice sessions, meetings and drop-ins."

Residents will be kicking off with a party to celebrate their success in saving their hall. It will take place at Marcon Court Community Hall on Friday 8 February from 7pm until 11pm. All welcome.