The Chairman of Alderley Edge Parish Council is going to consult with neighbouring town and parish councils regarding the future provision of town centre management services.
Last month we reported that Alderley Edge could lose its town centre manager as Cheshire East Council (CEC) proposes to cut this resource from April 1st 2012.
The role of town centre manager, currently performed by Diane Smith, is being reviewed and CEC are proposing to create a service which town and parish councils can buy back from them - costing in the region of £12,000 to 13,000 for one day a week per year.
Cllr Williamson who described CEC's plans as "a mad idea" and "a step too far for devolution", told fellow councillors at last night's meeting that he has raised concerns with CEC about "conflicts of interest" but has yet to receive a response.
He said "I am going to approach other town and parish councils from the surrounding area as we need joined up thinking.
"We can't run the county or borough on individuals competing, we need a joined up strategy."
Cllr Sue Joseph agreed, referring to the potential outcome as "divide and conquer".
Cllr Frank Keegan commented "It really is getting pathetic that we are seeing local services getting squashed for the sake of the central budget."
Photo: Diane Smith, Town Centre Manager.
