THE campaign to save the Wheatsheaf Hall received a boost last week when council officials announced at a meeting that it would re-open.

The hall was closed in December because of health and safety concerns after an inspection revealed exposed asbestos panelling and problems with fire exits and extinguishers.

But leaders of the dozens of groups that meet at the Bush Hill Park hall feared a change in venue might mean the end of their clubs and groups.

George Hislop from Enfield Judo Club was afraid many of his 70 members would leave if they had to travel to alternative venues.

After concerted pressure from the Enfield Independent and angry community users of the venue, the council has vowed to open it within weeks.

A spokeswoman for the council said: "The council is currently overhauling all fire extinguishers and undertaking electrical testing, to make sure that the electrics are safe.

"Once testing is complete we may be able to open the hall sooner than originally expected."

James Campbell, one of the leaders of the Wheatsheaf Hall Emergency Action Team (WHEAT), was delighted with the action promised by the council.

He said: "We have achieved what we wanted.

"The representatives from the council seemed embarrassed and there was a commitment to get it re-opened in the next six to seven weeks."

He added: "The Enfield Independent has certainly helped us with our campaign."

The council spokeswoman confirmed that by Thursday of next week a full programme of necessary works will have been completed, which will clearly set out what needs to be done over the coming months.s=10THE campaign to save the Wheatsheaf Hall received a boost last week when council officials announced at a meeting that it would re-open.o

The hall was closed in December because of health and safety concerns after an inspection revealed exposed asbestos panelling and problems with fire exits and extinguishers.

But leaders of the dozens of groups that meet at the Bush Hill Park hall feared a change in venue might mean the end of their clubs and groups.

George Hislop from Enfield Judo Club was afraid many of his 70 members would leave if they had to travel to alternative venues.

After concerted pressure from the Enfield Independent and angry community users of the venue, the council have vowed to open it within weeks.

A spokeswoman for the council said: "The council is currently overhauling all fire extinguishers and undertaking electrical testing, to make sure that the electrics are safe.

"Once testing is complete we may be able to open the hall sooner than originally expected."

James Campbell, one of the leaders of the Wheatsheaf Hall Emergency Action Team (WHEAT), was delighted with the action promised by the council.

He said: "We have achieved what we wanted.

"The representatives from the council seemed embarrassed and there was a commitment to get it reopened in the next six to seven weeks."

He added: "The Enfield Independent has certainly helped us with our campaign."

The council spokeswoman confirmed that by Thursday of next week a full programme of necessary works will have been completed, which will clearly set out what needs to be done over the coming months.