THERE were mixed reactions from members of the public touring Wyre Forest District Council’s new headquarters after it was officially opened.

District council chairman Conservative councillor Stephen Clee and vice chairman Liberal councillor Fran Oborski unveiled a special plaque to declare the £10 million building open at an event yesterday.

Children from Birchen Coppice Primary School entertained guests by singing Reach for the Stars and Don’t Build Your Office on the Sandy Land.

Headteacher Liane Billingsley said: “It has been lovely for the choir to sing live. It was important for the children to come and see the building and appreciate how many staff work here and the sorts of things the council do.”

It was the first time members of the public had been given the chance to tour the building - which has been the subject of political controversy - since it opened to staff last month.

After being shown around the new headquarters, Melvyn Thompson, Carpet Museum Trust historian commented: “I think it is a nice building and energy efficient but I was very disappointed the carpets were not made in Kidderminster.”

Conservative councillor John Campion, district council leader, explained: “We have only installed carpet tiles and as far as I know nowhere in Kidderminster makes carpet tiles.

“We have floor boxes we need to transport around the place and that would be difficult on the carpet rolls we make.”

John Broddick, from Kidderminster, said: “Before I came here I thought do we really need this, I do not know where the money is coming from.

“I was very impressed looking around, however, especially with the computer set up but we will have to wait to see whether it really does save the money we are told it will save.”

Another Kidderminster resident Nicky Griffiths added: “I am in favour of bringing everything together into one building but I do not see why they built it here, it should be in one of our town centres.”

Trevor Walker, from Wolverley, commented: “I know it is expensive but I like the eco-friendliness of it, the building really makes use of modern technology. Let’s hope it will stay here for a long time.”

Stourport resident Jennifer Hughes said: “I thought it would be extravagant but this is mind blowing - they even have showers. They should have revamped the Stourport Civic Centre and not spent this money.”

One tour guide explained the building contained showers as part of an initiative to encourage staff to cycle to work.

Michael Wrench, UKIP Parliamentary Spokesman, who organised a protest outside the building in response to councillors “ignoring” 3,500 signatures he had collected opposing the building, said: “We have had a lot of support and passing support.

“With all the cuts going on having something this lavish here is two fingers up to the public.”

Mr Campion added: “Of course people are going to be concerned about the council spending money and that is why we have to continue to repeat that this is about saving £500,000 year on year.

“I am very pleased with the positive reaction from the public who are having a look around as well as our staff.”