ANGRY leaders of Halesowen’s Yemeni Community Association have furiously denied ‘divisive’ claims alleging a deal has been agreed for the group to take over Cornbow Hall.

Rumours have been rife around Halesowen and on social media regarding a community asset transfer of the popular town centre hub from Dudley Council to the organisation as already being rubber stamped – leading to an online backlash against the group.

But Marwan Bakaili, chairman of Halesowen and Dudley Yemeni Community Association, said they have not put any bids forward and anyone who has submitted an application under the “Yemeni name” has done so to “cause division in the community”.

The rumours have also been denied by councillors, including Cllr Ian Kettle, cabinet member for regeneration and enterprise, who said no decision regarding the running of Cornbow Hall has yet taken place – leaving an uncertain future for the centre.

The community asset transfer was first reported in The News in November 2017 after the council announced it was looking to offload the Hagley Street venue to the public to help save the cash-strapped authority about £96,000 a year in day-to-day running costs.

It would be a move similar to the council’s ongoing arrangement with Dudley CVS involving Brierley Hill Civic Hall, meaning a community group would take on the responsibility for organising shows, events and other attractions, with the council retaining ownership of the site.

Cllr Kettle said the authority has received a “number of formal expressions of interest” in taking over the running of Cornbow Hall, but added: “No decision will be taken as to the future of the hall until we have examined the details of all business cases.

“It is important that we make sure that any future operator intent on running the venue, ensures that it remains a valued community hall, available for all to use and enjoy.”

But Mr Bakaili is adamant Halesowen and Dudley Yemeni Community Association is “not applying for anything to do with Cornbow Hall”, adding: “We know nothing about it and we are not happy about this.

“We have a good relationship with the community and anyone who may have put in a bid under the Yemeni name is not from our association. We would not allow it.

“Anyone doing this would be doing it for themselves and these people are trying to cause division – which is not right.”

Deputy council leader and Halesowen South cllr David Vickers confirmed three formal bids were submitted before the council’s initial February deadline – including one by a group associating themselves with the Yemeni community – however, they all were rejected.

Cllr Vickers told the News: “I have spoken to council officers who told me they had put a business plan forward but it was rejected as it was not good enough.

“We told them to go away and come back with something better, and so far – to my knowledge – they have not done that.

“I’ve seen what people have been saying on social media and I understand their concerns, but they’ve got to understand the council would not just accept an offer on a whim.

“The bid made by Dudley CVS – who have done a wonderful job with Brierley Hill Civic Hall – took two years, and even when a bid is agreed, it has to go through cabinet and full council before any final decision is made.”

He added: “I would welcome anyone who would like to take on the running of the hall, but they have to guarantee the hall’s use would be not only for part of the community, but for the whole of the community.”

No date has yet been set for a decision regarding the community asset transfer, which will only include the hall and not the adjoining council-operated Pool Road car park.