An Important Message From The Playing Field Committee , 21st November
Riston
Statement from Long Riston Playing Fields Committee (PFC) regarding the Village Hall
21 November 2025
Long Riston Playing Fields Committee (PFC) has seen the recent statement and Q&A published by Riston Parish Council regarding the future management of the Village Hall.
We were very disappointed to see the Parish Council publish this information without any prior discussion with the PFC Trustees.
We feel it is important to clarify our position.
While the PFC is the legal managing trustee of the land on which the hall is situated, the Parish Council has voluntarily and effectively managed the hall on a day-to-day basis since 1991, following the dissolution of the Village Hall Committee.
The Parish Council is now seeking to hand over management responsibilities to the PFC. Regrettably, the PFC Trustees are not in a position to take on management of the hall.
The hall is currently operating at a significant financial loss. The Parish Council is able to cover these losses using its precept funds (from council tax). The PFC, a separate charity, has no such income and we would have to rely on fundraising alone.
It would therefore be financially irresponsible for the PFC Trustees to take on these losses. Doing so would jeopardise our ability to maintain the village play and sports facilities, which are vital for our community. For the avoidance of doubt: the Parish Council cannot instruct the PFC to assume responsibility for maintaining the village hall and the PFC will not be doing so.
We believe the best solution is for the Parish Council to continue managing the hall under a formal legal agreement. We have formally proposed this to the Parish Council.
We are also keen to work with the Parish Council to fundraise for the hall's future.
We are committed to finding a sustainable solution that preserves both the Village Hall and the village's vital play and sports facilities for the long term.
The Trustees
Long Riston Playing Fields Committee
Charity 523268
Contact Information
John Sherwood
Find Riston
Long Riston, Hull, East Riding Of Yorkshire, HU11 5JF