Lib Dems Attack Town Hall Spending Plan

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 24th Jul 2002

Lib Dems on the Borough council will tonight (Wednesday 24 July) attack plans to spend £54,000 on oak panelling for a new tourist Information centre.

The panelling forms part of plans to move the Tourist information centre from its current location in St. Paul's Square to the site of the old town hall.

Commenting on the plans Lib Dem Deputy Group Leader Christine McHugh said:

"The tourist information centre desperately needs a change of location from its current cramped site. However I think it's totally outrageous that these plans include the introduction of oak panelling at a cost of £54,000. This seems an exorbitant amount to spend, which could and should be done for far less. Its important that we attract visitors to the area and give them a good impression when they get here but it's just as important that we are careful with tax payers money. This project alone is set to cost £230,330 with over a fifth of it spent on oak panelling. I for one cannot justify this. This money should be prioritised for more needy projects within the town centre."