Council Proposed Move Angers Local Residents at Open Meeting

12.00.00am GMT Tue 16th Feb 2010

A meeting held last night (15th February 2010) saw Towcester Town Hall left with standing room only and even residents stood in the entrance porch trying to listen to South Northants Councils presentation regarding the regeneration of Moat Lane in Towcester.

The main item people had attended to hear was about South Northants Councils plan to relocate from their current offices in Springfields in Towcester to the heart of the new development in the town centre.

Scott Collins, Parliamentary candidate for the Liberal Democrats in South Northants said:-

"The statements made by those giving the presentation that they hoped the plans would be 'rubber stamped' without any problems angered many residents who clearly feel cheated that the decision in principal to move the councils offices was made behind closed doors

"The fact that the towns residents had been asked on several occasions to comment and partake in countless consultations over the last 10 years or more but at no time was a wholesale move for the council touted as an option

"As a local man having grown up and lived most of my life in Towcester I know that Moat Lane does need to be regenerated and made more use of but shouldn't the development encourage new businesses both large and especially new entrepreneurs needing a start either in retail or other businesses? As a former Town Councillor for Towcester I do not remember the Civic area being a new home for South Northants Council, its shameful that they think of themselves before the future of this area of the town"

Many members of the public commented after the meeting that they felt their concerns had not been heard and that they still felt as though their concerns would be ignored.

Commenting further "I have to agree with many of the residents we have been told very little and the issues of parking, traffic and jobs have still not been addressed.

"If they want people to buy into the idea of their move to Moat Lane then they must be more open with residents and not fall back on 'confidentiality' at every turn

"In terms of the general plan for the area I am impressed at the planning that has already taken place and I hope that it is a success, but it must first address the residents concerns on parking, traffic, jobs and most importantly they need to have a better argument for moving their offices"