Dunmow Lib Dems Demand Investment in Council Offices (Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats)

Saffron Walden Constituency Liberal Democrats <info@saffronwaldenlibdems.org.uk>

Dunmow Lib Dems Demand Investment in Council Offices

February 17, 2008 9:19 PM

Following the opportunity to share premises with Essex County Council in Great Dunmow, Uttlesford councillors have agreed to move the Great Dunmow Customer Information Centre (CIC) from the Council Offices to the new Great Dunmow library when it opens during the Autumn of 2008.

Cllr Mark Gayler, Liberal Democrat member for Dunmow North, said, "As it is the Tories' intention to sell off the Council Offices, we must ensure that we make adequate provision for the voluntary sector, that also rents the building. This must be in one building - and must give them certainty of continuity of tenure.

Cllr Ron Clover, Lib Dem Member for Dunmow North, added, "Although the Tories have agreed to put the offices up for sale, they must look to the possibility of developing the total site for the benefit of the people of Dunmow. Just selling them as offices would not be maximising the benefit to the Council or to the people of Dunmow. This site could be developed with multi-purpose use for retailers and a new centre for the voluntary sector, at no additional cost to the council. We must not allow the Council Offices to be sold off without investigating ways to maximise the benefit to Great Dunmow.

Cllr Clive Smith, Dunmow Town & District Councillor, said, "It is important that whatever the District Council wants to do, they should be talking with the Town Council, and work together on this issue for the people of Dunmow.

Cllr. Peter Wilcock, Leader of Uttlesford District Council's Liberal Democrat Group, concluded "I will be actively pursuing all opportunities with the Tories to maximise the value of this site for the benefit of Dunmow - and not allow them just to sell the buildings to build up capital reserves when there are better options open. We have an ideal opportunity to benefit all the people in Dunmow with the combined customer services in the new library and development of the old site (including the vehicle depot and workshop). This is a valuable site in the centre of Dunmow, and vision and imagination should be given to the best solution."