Today's Coventry Telegraph (15-09-11, page 2) has the story that The Charterhouse has been put up for sale by the City College. Coventry people in general, and residents of the Charterhouse area in particular, will know of the long running battle to preserve public access to the Charterhouse Fields. For the last two years The Charterhouse itself has stood empty, unused by City College who were given it just over 20 years ago when Coventry's FE colleges were transferred out of local council control.

I first used the building 35 years ago on my initial training as a trade union rep, attending courses in health and safety law. Hundreds of Coventry workers did the same, as the building then regularly hosted trade union education classes. It is urgent that we mount pressure on the City College not to proceed with the sale, but to allow the building to come back into public and community use.

I have today written to Labour's Cllr Kevin Maton, who sits on the City College Board of Governors, asking him to raise at tomorrow night's governors' meeting a hold on the sale of the building. I've also issued a press release to the Telegraph and BBC as follows:

"The Charterhouse buildings and surrounding land were given to the people of Coventry 70 years ago, in the will of Colonel Wyley, as a museum and public park.

They were then transferred to Tile Hill College just over 20 years ago when, under the last Conservative government, Further Education colleges became separate businesses.

If the City College now no longer wants the building, it should revert back to public ownership - not be sold on the open market for a profit. It was originally given to the people of Coventry, and it should be returned to them.

I met with senior College management last year to discuss community involvement in the running of the building and, with the Charterhouse Residents 'Association, arranged a special meeting to discuss the College's proposals.

But this 'For Sale' notice has come out of the blue, with no consultation with local people whatsoever. It's outrageous. I have written to the College asking them to withdraw the property. If they do not, I will be meeting with residents over the next few days to rally opposition to this sale, and for a solution that keeps this historic building for the people of our city."

I would urge local residents, particularly those with memories of the use of the building, to write to the Coventry Telegraph, telephone BBC CWR, and contact the Board of Governors at the City College urging that the property not be sold on the open market for a profit.

There is a proposal to create a charitable trust to run the building with the involvement of the local community. The organisers have already obtained one national grant and have indications of support from other heritage bodies. They are talking of restoring the mediaeval gardens at The Charterhouse, recreating the mediaeval fishing ponds and (something that many of us have long argued for) creating a walk along the River Sherborne that would link to Far Gosford Street.

The Charterhouse Residents' Association was currently in the process of organising a special meeting for the proposers of the charitable trust to come and discuss with residents, when the bomb shell of this sale announcement came. The City College should give time for that charitable trust proposal to at least be aired and debated.

Just as with the proposed transfer of the Charterhouse Fields to Blue Coat Academy, time is not on our side. Anyone who wants to help with this campaign can get in touch with me at dave@nellist.net or on 024 7622 9311.

Thanks for your help.