Credit Crunch hits Overtoun House

Jenny Foulds • Published 1 Sep 2009 13:00

Tenants don't have cash for agreed refurb programme

AN agreed programme of refurbishments at A-listed Overtoun House are nowhere near completion because the tenants do not have the money.

The cash-strapped Overtoun House Christian Centre is hoping to strike a deal with the council to defer the completion date.

It had agreed to carry out the work by the end of this year when it controversially took over the lease of the building eight years ago - for which it pays £1-a-year rent.

But none of the renovations will be done by then.

It has also been revealed that the insurance for the historic structure has not been paid for at least four years - meaning the group owes the council, more than £20,000 on top of £5,275 a year bill it now has to pay.

Centre chiefs are offering to work off this debt by helping the council with grounds maintenance around the stately home.

But, the group's leader has admitted they are already struggling with manpower as it relies on volunteers.

Pastor Bob Hill, who runs the house with "funding and voluntary labour from the United States of America," claimed that the credit crunch has hampered progress refurbishment programme".

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This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 01 Sep 09

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