Conservatives at The Guildhall have criticised proposed changes to the management of community centres across Northampton.

The Liberal Democrat administration on Northampton Borough Council released their proposed budget in December for public consultation. This proposed a possible saving of £170,000 through restructuring caretaking in community centres.

But before the consultation period has ended, Northampton Borough Council has started advertising for a community centres manager responsible for six community centre co-ordinators, rather than the current eighteen, plus two relief co-ordinators.

The Leader of the Conservatives at The Guildhall, Cllr David Palethorpe, said, "It is staggering that while the council has been repeatedly telling us no decision has been made regarding the future of community centres, staff have been publicly advertising for a community relationship officer specifically to oversee the council's preferred new structure.

"This suggests the decision to reduce community centre co-ordinators by nearly 60% has already been made behind closed doors."

The final decision will be made in February.
 

29th January 2010