Honiton Town Council (HTC) is evaluating how to fund the Beehive and their aim is to keep it open.

HTC own The Beehive and since 2015 it has been leased to Honiton Community Complex (HCC) to operate as a community venue. Covid and other cost increases have had an impact and in February 2022 HCC gave notice to end the lease.

In order to keep HCC as a tenant, HTC agreed to underwrite HCC's costs on a three-month rolling basis, for a maximum for 12 months, and HCC withdrew the notice.

A spokesman from HTC said: "Honiton is a growing town, with a great future. As it continues to develop, so it becomes more diverse in terms of the people living here and in the surrounding areas. Having a modern and vibrant facility such the Beehive is important as a centre in which the spirit of the community can flourish.

"However, with the impact of a hike in energy bills, driving a steep rise in inflation and all on top of the global Covid pandemic, the Town Council is looking carefully at how it spends your money. The Work Programme and its priorities are being reviewed and the budget for the year is being recast."

On May 9 HTC authorised the first contribution to HCC for £3,869.97, to cover the shortfall in its March 2022 accounts. Each month the council will review its decision.

HTC and the HCC will continue to work closely together, and the former have created a Working Group, with the aim of deciding a future strategy for the building. It is hoped that the group could present their finalised ideas for public consideration in July 2022. 

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