It is obvious that The Kenley Hotel is showing signs of deterioration and it would be tragic to lose it when it has been a central landmark in our community for over 150 years. If the owners of The Kenley Hotel decide to restore it and keep it as a community pub, then that would be our preferred solution. But there is no guarantee that it will happen, particularly in today’s economic climate.
At the last KENDRA committee meeting (14th April) a motion was passed, unanimously, to nominate The Kenley Hotel as an Asset of Community Value (ACV).
The Localism Act 2011 gives communities the right to ask their local Council to nominate a valued local facility, such as a pub, as an ACV. If successful, an ACV can pause the sale of the asset and gives the nominating group six months to raise funds and prepare its bid.
Many community pubs have been saved from being sold off for development using ACVs. As an initial step an ACV requires 21 nominees, who have to be on the local electoral register, to sign the nomination. There is no financial or legal obligation on the part of the nominees.
If you would like to be a nominee, or if you would like to pledge your support, please email kenleyacv21@outlook.com with your details. The more support we can show the more likely we are to succeed.
The Kenley Hotel has huge potential as a vibrant community hub. It could provide many amenities that are sorely lacking in Kenley, while continuing as a pub and social meeting place.
For more information on ACVs follow the Croydon Council website link HERE.