MINOR building works have delayed the transfer of ownership of LiphookÕs troubled Millennium Hall, from SainsburyÕs to the parish council.

The council controversially announced that it would assume control of the hall in May, but four months later has yet to take over itÕs running.

Before ownership changes hands, completion certificates must be issued that the building is in a satisfactory condition.

Michael Lawther, head of legal services for East Hampshire District Council, told The Herald that Òsome very minor worksÓ are currently outstanding.

ÒA list has been provided by the parish council of their concerns, and SainsburyÕs has dealt with them very promptly,Ó he said. ÒAlmost all have been completed.Ó

The district councilÕs building control team were scheduled to inspect the hall later this week, with negotiations with Sainsburys over the transfer expected to be completed within the next few weeks.

The Òminor worksÓ include the type of building material used affecting future maintenance costs, emergency exit door signs and vents for the windows.

ÒI have no idea why it has taken so long, but the works havenÕt hindered the operation of the hall,Ó Mr Lawther said.

ÒWe will negotiate details of transfer from SainsburyÕs directly to the parish council,Ó he explained. ÒThe parish council will then approve the transfer, probably with their own legal representative, and hopefully that will bring this long running matter to a conclusion.Ó

The district council became involved because the hall was built three years ago under an planning gain agreement made as part of SainsburyÕs development in the village.

ÒEveryone should be pleased, the building must be worth best part of £1 million now,Ó Mr Lawther added. ÒIt is incredibly good to get such a building for the community through planning gain.Ó

However, the hallÕs trustees and Liphook residents have all expressed their concerns at the parish councilÕs decision. In a recent Herald article, trustee chairman David Wynn asking what benefit would come from the parish council taking over.

Last month, chairman of the new Millennium Hall management committee John Tough addressed the parish council on a meeting with the trustees in July.

ÒIt was a fairly confrontational meeting,Ó Mr Tough said. ÒIt didnÕt achieve a lot, and there was a lot of bringing up the past, particularly by the ex-chairman.Ó

Mr Tough explained that the trustees still want the whole issue to be reconsidered, and had asked if the council would consider going to arbitration.

Barry Hope reported on a meeting of the recently formed Millennium Hall working party, which five councillors attended.

The hall staff had expressed concerns for their jobs, and it was suggested that the council could give a letter of comfort to them.

Tony Rudguard agreed, but felt the council should make it clear that they could not give any guarantees, as the staff were not parish council employees.

It was agreed that further consideration of any letter was necessary and a recommendation would be made by the Millennium Hall working party to the council at a future meeting.

Mr Tough explained that there would not have any more meetings between the trustees and the council for the time being but instead would let the recently formed working party Òget on with itÓ.

Chairman of the parish council Alan Jordan this week told The Herald: ÒThe working party is still working on proposals for the hall that will be presented at a meeting in October.Ó