I WRITE in response to recent coverage of the sale of Memorial House, Knutsford.

To clarify, Memorial House, Knutsford was sold by the NHS in 1995 as it no longer met their criteria.

As is public record, the British Red Cross owns the freehold interest of this property. It was purchased from the NHS in 1995 and the BRC interest is registered with the Land Registry.

As stated previously, given its age, the property is expensive to maintain and repair, as are the extensive external grounds.

As a charity, the British Red Cross must prioritise using its funds and resources to help people in crisis.

Memorial House is becoming increasingly unsuitable to accommodate staff and services.

Even with an extensive upgrade it is considered that the building would still not meet the standards required and is not fit for purpose.

Discussions about the best future use of the property and method of sale have taken place with agents and representatives for the NHS and the Crown Estate.

The British Red Cross and its advisers recognise that any purchaser may want to submit an application for change of use or redevelopment of the property.

There will then be an opportunity for the local community to engage in the planning process to influence any future development plans by the purchaser.

As previously stated the British Red Cross recognises the importance of protecting the heritage of this property and will encourage potential buyers to be considerate also.

The British Red Cross has always recognised the importance of the war memorial to the town and to this end has conducted discussions with Knutsford Town Council.

We continue to work on the relocation of the memorial and plaques as requested by the British Legion and Knutsford Town Council.

We have engaged and taken account of all interests in the property, endeavouring to find or to assist with solutions since deciding to put Memorial House on the market.

Under the Charities Act, the British Red Cross has an obligation to dispose of its asset in a diligent manner by obtaining best value and this legislation must dictate the process by which we sell the property.

An application to nominate the building under the ‘Community right to bid’ was unsuccessful therefore the British Red Cross is entitled to proceed with its legal right to sell the property.

We are therefore committed to the sale of Memorial House, Knutsford.

Phil Hughes interim executive director of finance planning and resource British Red Cross