Lib Dems condemn Mayor’s furniture waste

Liberal Democrats  have condemned the spending of over £4000 on new furniture for the Mayor’s Parlour.

Since the council moved out of the old Redcar and Cleveland Town Hall earlier this year the Mayor’s Parlour has been moved to Kirkleatham Museum.

But figures uncovered by Liberal Democrat Councillor Chris Abbott show that rather than use the perfectly good furniture from the old Mayor’s Parlour, the council’s Labour bosses have seen fit to spend £4,319 on replacing it.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Chris Abbott commented:

“This is sheer waste of taxpayers’ money.

“Kirkleatham Museum already houses quality furniture which used to be in the Mayor’s Parlour at Redcar. We want to know what has happened to the furniture at the former Eston Town Hall.

“It’s another example of Labour making cuts where it matters and spending where it doesn’t.

“At a time of austerity, this sends out totally the wrong message to the people the council serves.”

Police and Crime Panel members required.

On 15 November, the Cleveland Force Area will be electing its first police and crime commissioner.

This post will be responsible for setting the priorities and resources for Cleveland Police, as well as supporting broader community safety activities across the region.

In addition, a police and crime panel will also be established to scrutinise the work of the Commissioner. The panel will consist of representatives from each of the four local authorities in the Force area and two independent co-opted members.

The panel is looking for at least two committed people who either live or work in the Cleveland Force area to serve as co-opted independent members from autumn 2012 for a four year term. The role of a panel member is a demanding one and will require a commitment of an average of one day every two months.

Meetings will generally be held late afternoon or early evening at varying locations throughout the Force area. Panel members will be able to claim reasonable expenses and will receive induction and other appropriate training.

The closing date for applications is 28 September 2012. For a copy of the application pack, please telephone (01642) 527060 or (01642) 528173.