In response to the letter from name and address supplied about the two empty buildings adjacent to the cinema in Coleford and an internet cafe possibility there.
I suggested in the press last year that opening an internet cafe in what was the Tourist Information Centre might be a positive way of keeping the "Made in the Dean – Proud to be Seen" shop open. Bigartweb group had been in partnership with the district council and they displayed and sold first rate locally made crafts and fine art in this shop before the T.I.C. was unfortunately closed.
It was only an idea to have the IT cafe with the display cabinets and pictures within. This idea was considered by Patrick Molyneux, cabinet portfolio holder for Economic and Regeneration and also Diana Edwards, portfolio holder for Community Well Being.
It never happened as it would mean that someone would have to pay for a lease and bigartweb do not have access to this kind of finance. I then asked if we could still run a shop with artist volunteers but was informed that because of insurance and other issues it was not possible.
I spoke to Paul Smith of FODDC Property Services and he said "the empty building is on the market to lease on short or medium term commercial or semi commercial". He also said there is a large 'To Let' sign on the building.
Regarding the other empty building there are plans for this but the letter writer needs to contact Paul Smith. Hope this helps.
Sue Dubois, Newnham.