Nantwich Town Council to take on major assets from Cheshire East

 

Cheshire East Council is delighted to announce the first major transfer of assets in the Borough.

As part of the local service delivery project, Nantwich Town Council has agreed to take on the town’s Civic Hall and the indoor and outdoor markets from April 2012.

Town councillors also voted to take charge of the public toilets in the market, on the Barony Park and on Snow Hill car park. Allotment sites are also being passed to the town council.

Both Cheshire East and Nantwich Town councils are delighted with the move – which is in keeping with the Government’s localism agenda.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said: “Cheshire East is delighted that Nantwich Town Council has acted so positively and has agreed to take on these important services.

“We are working very closely with the town council to progress the transfers and to ensure that the services continue to run smoothly.

“The maintenance and running of these facilities will be in the hands of local people, who are best placed to decide how local services should be managed.”

Cheshire East aims to build strong communities with all forms of government working together, reducing duplication and working in partnership to make a difference.

Nantwich town councillor David Marren, leader of the town plan and partnership committee, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for Nantwich and I am very pleased that the town council’s decision was unanimous and enthusiastic.

“This decision provides certainty that these important local services will continue and be protected and provided for the benefit of the people of Nantwich.

“I very much applaud Cheshire East’s programme of transferring assets and devolving services to local communities – it is far sighted.

“Although the cost of the services will transfer from Cheshire East to the town council I believe that we will be able to operate these services more efficiently because we have lower management and support costs. 

“It is good for democracy as local councillors will now be in a position to shape services to meet our particular local needs. This is a good day for Nantwich.”

Cheshire East has already successfully transferred the public toilets in Audlem to local control. This was the first official transfer as part of the local service delivery project but Nantwich is the first town to take on major public buildings.

Meanwhile, Cheshire East Council will be consulting with the current users of The Gables, including the Citizens’ Advice Bureau (CAB) and Gables Luncheon Club, to determine the best solution for its future use.

The Council believes it is important to gain their feedback, and also that of the people of Nantwich, in deciding the next steps for the building.

The town council has also expressed its desire to take control of their offices in Brookfield Hall, although this is subject to a separate portfolio decision.

Ends.