ALMOST as quickly as it was erected around the World War I memorial and land at the rear of St Matthew’s Church, the temporary fencing has come down.
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Archdeacon Father Peter Macleod-Miller says the removal of the fencing signifies a breakthrough in negotiations between the Anglican parish and the Albury Council ahead of completion of the city’s $10.5 million art gallery redevelopment.
It had been erected in response to a letter sent to St Matthew’s by the council which had broached the option of the council compulsorily acquiring the land.
Albury Council won’t comment on its negotiations with St Matthew’s about the sale of the land, but Father Macleod-Miller says the fencing and its subsequent removal has shown the power of local conversation.
It is no secret that there have been differences of opinion between the church and the council over the future of the land in question.
However, both parties need to come to agreement in the near future so as to avoid further conflict ahead of the opening of the gallery later this year.
There must be means by which both parties can be satisfied and the church and gallery can continue to co-exist.