Longmere Recreational Club (LRC), situated opposite Pine Lake Inn on the south-western shore of Longmere Dam, is seemingly under threat as White River Valley Conservancy Board (WRVCB) which controls the water supply from Longmere Dam, has applied to sell this portion of land.
The portion is the land on which the camping, picnic, boathouses, clubhouse, caretakers’ rooms and ablution facilities are situated.
“After consideration the WRVCB has agreed to sell a portion of the land it owns adjacent to the dam,” confirmed the board’s Debbie Turner.
“Though some of the LRC members are under the impression that the property or a portion of it appears to have been bought by agreement with the WRVCB before any subdivision has been approved by the municipality, Turner ensures that the sale is subject to an application for the subdivision of the property being approved.
Tom Clarke, a concerned member of LRC said the WRVCB and the new owners have verbally indicated that they will relocate the existing campsites, picnic areas, clubhouse, boat sheds, caretakers’ rooms and ablutions at their own expense.
“But there is no written undertaking to do this at their own expense. No official meetings of members of the LRC have been called at which all of these issues can be brought into the open,” said Clarke.
At present LRC has a rental agreement to operate this site to the benefit of local residents.
Turner said the sale in no way interferes with the existing rights of the lessee.
“The WRVCB is satisfied that the concerns and needs of LRC and its members can be accommodated on the portion of the subdivided property which will be retained by the WRCVB and looks forward to continuing its good relationship with the LRC. The terms of any new lease will be negotiated between the parties,” she said.
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