Council staff moving to Newtown
Minutes from a private session of a Powys County Council cabinet meeting show that members discussed the closure of its Neuadd Maldwyn building in Welshpool.
Once the staff have been transferred, the building, on Severn Road, will be sold off or let so the council will no longer be responsible for maintenance.
Councillors agreed that "subject to establishing a cost effective alternative front-line location in Welshpool, Neuadd Maldwyn is to be closed at the earliest opportunity with the majority of back office services being transferred to Newtown".
The minutes of the meeting state that the move is being made to, "ensure that the council has a fit-for-purpose base out of which to operate its services in the north of the county for the benefit of the citizens of Powys."
However front line services will still be protected in the town and delegated authority will be given to the portfolio holder for property, councillor Phyl Davies, to determine where that will be.
Councillor Davies said: “The county council has been reviewing office accommodation in north Powys, particularly buildings and office accommodation in Newtown and Welshpool to assess their suitability for future service delivery.
“The review has examined the buildings to see if they are fit for purpose for both front office and back office functions and will support the council’s move towards an ‘agile’ working model.
“Initial findings recommend that Neuadd Maldwyn in Welshpool is either sold or let so that the council is no longer responsible for its maintenance. To improve public service delivery both Newtown and Welshpool have improved front offices.
“The cabinet has approved a detailed feasibility study to examine the cost and benefits of moving front and back office functions to Newtown using existing council building, while maintaining public facing services in Welshpool.
“No final decision will be made until the feasibility work has been completed, staff, elected members and partners will be kept fully informed of any proposals during the process.”
PICTURE: Courtesy of Google Street View.
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