‘Sensible’ move by council in u-turn

Councillors have listened to the people and performed a U-turn over the proposal to close the district’s cash offices.
I Love Hucknall group meeting pictured from left are, Chris Williams, Sandy Singleton, Mark Allison, Phil Bailey, Stuart Pocklington, Dennis Robinson and Michelle Squires.I Love Hucknall group meeting pictured from left are, Chris Williams, Sandy Singleton, Mark Allison, Phil Bailey, Stuart Pocklington, Dennis Robinson and Michelle Squires.
I Love Hucknall group meeting pictured from left are, Chris Williams, Sandy Singleton, Mark Allison, Phil Bailey, Stuart Pocklington, Dennis Robinson and Michelle Squires.

Businesses and residents of Hucknall are delighted that Ashfield District Council have bowed to public pressure and pulled their plans to close the four cash offices including the one in Hucknall.

“This is great news for the town,” said spokesman for the I Love Hucknall group, Sandy Singleton. “But they should never have proposed the idea in the first place.”

The idea behind the closure plans was part of the cost-cutting budget plans to save £800,000 each year.

“It is a very sensible move by councillors to change their mind and the I love Hucknall group were much much against the idea and made our views known,” added Mrs Singleton.

“Hucknall’s cash office is very well used and brings in a lot of people into the town which increases the footfall.This

“This in turn brings trade to the local businesses and they can’t afford to lose these shoppers.”

The council’s cabinet will meet next Thursday to agree the council’s budget for 2014/15 in principle. The final decision will be taken by the full council on 3rd March.

The significant changes from the council’s earlier proposals also means no cuts will be made to grants to voluntary bodies, such as the Citizens’ Advice Bureau.

Although the cash offices will remain open, the council will continue to encourage its residents to pay their bills by Direct Debit.

The Leader of the Council, Chris Baron (Labour, Hucknall West) said: “I believe that we will be recommending a balanced package of measures which we have adjusted following the consultation and subsequent representations so that there will be a much reduced impact on our front line services.”