[07
JUL 00] STRATFORD ON AVON DISTRICT COUNCIL NEWS
Town Centre Manager Position Under Threat
The recruitment of a
town centre manager for Stratford has gone on hold, while local
councils argue over who should fund the position.
The job was
advertised and the deadline for applications had passed - interviews
were set to get underway, when a change in control at the council led
to a rethink.
The new Tory
administration is set to use its majority, and say the project should
be funded more locally.
Drawing predominantly
on support in the rural seats, the Tory group feels that a £10,000
donation cannot be justified for Stratford town, if there is nothing
similar for other towns in the district like Southam, Shipston and
Alcester.
The financial offer
from Stratford Distrct Council has been effectively withdrawn, but
still has to be finally agreed by the full council, but politcal
opponents are calling for a rethink.
Most Warwickshire
towns have managers – Rugby Borough Council employs one, and Warwick
District has two for Kenilworth, Leamington and Warwick.
Nick Madeley,
Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce director, said:
“We are
devastated with the bombshell that has been dropped by the
Conservative-led Stratford District Council who are no longer
contributing to the immediate need for a town centre manager in
Stratford.
“Despite the huge
effort made by the Chamber, in securing £45,000 worth of
sponsorship from over 70 private-sector companies, including Marks
and Spencers, Boots and the RSC, the post will now remain empty for
the near future.
”We were under
the impression that Conservative policy supported the economic
development of business in key area such as Stratford, so this comes
as a shock.
“The decision has
both dismayed and disgusted not only ourselves but traders in the
town who have offered nothing but praise and support towards this
initiative.”
The project could
still go ahead if traders or the town council put in more money, but
parties are waiting for a final decision from the district council.
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