Friday 25th May saw Tandridge District Council transfer ownership of the Soper Hall in Caterham to the Soper Hall Community Centre Limited (SHCCL) to develop and run the building as a community facility. The group is now the freehold owner. It is a registered charity, with a business plan to refurbish the building and significantly increase community use of the site.

The District Council was keen to support the local running and control of the hall, as part of the government's localism agenda and believes this will revitalise the hall, making it a focal point for Caterham residents.

Tandridge District Council has agreed to provide up to £100,000 matched funding over two years to help with the transfer and on the understanding the Caterham and Warlingham Citizens Advice Bureau, Tandridge Voluntary Service Council and Lions Talking Newspaper will continue to be based at the building.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Gordon Keymer, said: "We feel this transfer secures the future of Soper Hall for the benefit of the community and we wish the group every success with its plans for the building."

Chairman of SHCCL, Graham Tapley, said: "We are delighted that the legal formalities have been completed today and look forward to the challenges that lie ahead. We would like to thank Tandridge District Council for its vote of confidence in our Community Company and for providing the essential framework for the successful asset transfer. We are especially grateful to the officers for their diligence during the transfer process and particularly wish to thank the Leader of the Council, Councillor Keymer for his support and involvement in the project."