Shuttle 'single site' poll result (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Shuttle 'single site' poll result

10:20am Tuesday 21st December 2010 in News

THE Shuttle’s online readers have voted overwhelmingly against Wyre Forest District Council’s plans to press ahead with a new £10.5 million headquarters at Fine-point in Kidderminster.

Nearly 1,000 readers took part in our website poll and 82 per cent believed the project should be scrapped. A further seven per cent thought the plans should be put on hold until the economic climate improves, while only 11 per cent said it should go ahead.

Conservative councillor John Campion, Leader of the Council, defended their position.

He said: “At a time when many businesses are struggling and budget cuts looming it is perhaps understandable why some residents are questioning the council’s decision to build a new civic headquarters. The answer is simple. We are doing this to save money.

“The decision to build new headquarters is based on careful and prudent financial planning, reinforced by appropriate professional advice.

“It is forecast that new offices on one site will save the council more than £500,000 a year in running costs – money which could be used to protect frontline services.

“The project is not diverting money from services. It is a capital investment project.

“Building new offices will reduce the council’s impact on the environment. The offices will incorporate the latest in green technologies, such as ground source heat pumps and a micro electricity generation station.

“It is predicted that it will reduce the council’s carbon dioxide emissions by 85 per cent. There will also be a big saving in time spent travelling between buildings.

“New civic offices are central to our commitment to move forward and make savings. Having these offices will mean we will no longer be reliant on leased accommodation and will enable us to benefit from economies of scale.

“But it is not just about having a new building, it’s about transforming the way we work to save money and make us more efficient.

“The new offices will provide a modern, open, flexible and collaborative environment for the council’s workforce where they can work more efficiently.”

“There are benefits for the district too. There will be an economic spin-off.”