ANGRY residents packed a council meeting to demand that Knutsford benefits from the sale of the War Memorial Cottage Hospital.

The British Red Cross, which currently owns the freehold to the building, says it will be put up for sale imminently, with the proceeds going to itself, East Cheshire NHS and the Crown Estate.

But residents turned out to the full town council meeting last Monday to contest the plans, arguing that the building was gifted to the town and then paid for by public subscription.

Derek Empson, one of three residents who addressed the meeting, said: “The building was entirely paid for by voluntary financial contributions made by the citizens of this town in 1921, but the voices of today’s citizens and the town council are being ignored.

“The apparent ownership status of the building is not only morally wrong but I understand the town council was not included in an agreement possible existing between the British Red Cross, the local NHS authority and Crown Estate, as to the shared disposal of financial assets from a future sale.

“Whatever sum eventually benefits Knutsford, it must be substantial because the amount gifted by the town’s citizens in today’s value, n Turn to Page 3 based on Bank of England calculations, and due to the passage of time between 1921 and today, is likely to be close to one million pounds sterling.

“The sum entrusted should be used to support the on-going health and social care of resident citizens for Knutsford parish and a surrounding area to be decided by the town council.”

After hearing from the residents, councillors discussed options for securing funds generated by the sale.

“I understand why members of the public are vexed by what’s happening,” said Stewart Gardiner.

“I think we are in a position where there’s very little we can do.

“But I think we should request a meeting of councillors and the Red Cross in order to express the views of the public to ask them to consider making a substantial financial contribution to given to the town council to recognise the initial investment in that health facility by the people.”

“Sadly I agree with Cllr Gardiner,” said Cllr Neil Forbes.

“It’s a well-meaning lost cause. I think we should make sure that the statue in the grounds comes to where the town wants it.”

However, Cllr Peter Coan said that there is a ‘moral argument’ to protecting the site.

“We all know the history and that it was created by subscriptions. It’s a bit sneaky and underhand the way this has been gone about,” he said.

A working group has now been created including Cllr Stewart Gardiner, Cllr Peter Coan and Cllr Andrew Malloy, as well as residents Derek Empson and Mabel Taylor, who have researched the history of the building.