HATHERLEIGH residents met this week to discuss the future of the town’s old NatWest building and the possibility of it being turned into a music centre.

The building, which served as a bank until it closed in July 2016, has been purchased by long-term resident Robert Barkwell.

Subject to planning the intention is to provide a facility for young musicians to be trained in purpose built practice rooms as well as having a larger practice hall for the use of the town band and other local musical organisations.

The music facility would not use the whole building and ideas are being considered from community groups about what the remaining part of the building could be used for.

Members of the community have organised meetings to take place every second and fourth Monday of the month to discuss the future of the community space.

A Facebook group has also been created for residents to discuss the future of the building and how it could be used to benefit the community.

During a meeting on Monday (March 27) Hatherleigh residents put forward their ideas about what the building could be used for, which included the potential for a gym, business hub, soft play area or youth centre.

West Devon Borough Councillor Patrick Kimber, who was one of the organisers of the meeting, said: ‘There have been lots of ideas put forward, including the potential for a business hub, a community shop, gym, soft play area and youth centre.’

‘We are holding these meetings to find out what people want from the community space as well as find those willing to help get plans into motion.’

While some residents have embraced prospects of a new community space, others were concerned that a music practice centre would be too noisy for those living near by.

Resident Ali Maxwell said that the the building was too close to homes for band practice to be going on in the evenings, especially for those who had young children.

Dana Butchers, whose home backs onto the building, said: ‘I think the practice space is a great idea if your into musical instruments — the issue is, how loud will it be and how long will it go on for? My house would back on to the community centre and I would be extremely hacked off if my kids and newborn baby would be disturbed on a regular basis.’

Speaking on behalf of Mr Barkwell, Amy Paddon said that sound proofing for the music practice rooms would be an essential part of the project and would be including in planning applications.

She added: ‘This is a fantastic opportunity for the Hatherleigh community! Turning a space, which is currently unused, into something which can benefit the people of Hatherleigh can only be seen as a positive in my eyes.

‘Half the building will be for music — for musicians to rehearse in, music lessons, singing lessons for children and the town band will have a permanent home and a place to practise. The other half has been given to the Hatherleigh community.’

The next public meeting to discuss the building’s future will be held on Monday, April 10 at 6.30pm at the Made-well Cafe, near Hatherleigh.

To find out more, join the Facebook Group ‘Hatherleigh Community Spaces’.