£20million County Arts Space back on the cards
One of the biggest reactions I’ve had during my short time in politics was to my mini campaign against the proposal by Labour at County to spend millions of pounds on an Arts Space in Stafford.
Putting aside the fact that I still don’t believe people in Tamworth or Burton or Lichfield or Kinver (I could go on) as much as 40 miles away from Stafford would get any tangible benefit from it I still think there are many other problems Labour should be concentrating on. Not least of all their very difficult financial position.
When the Arts Space project was launched in earnest 14 months ago Conservatives spent some considerable time demolishing the business case study that was produced. It was like a colander, full of lots of holes. It was visionary I agree but the vision was leading the business case… they were trying to make it fit circumstances and it doesn’t.
At the time the County was in a financial mess and it was also before the impact on vulnerable people and their families of the care homes debacle. The Arts Space project had actually appeared to have bitten the dust quietly as little of what was planned at the time around it has taken place. I’m still sure that John Taylor, the County Leader in waiting at that time, wasn’t keen on it then and I assumed that was still the case now he’s the big boss.
With that in mind I was very surprised when, in answer to an admittedly mischievous Leader’s Question on my part about the Arts Space, he appeared to be breathing new life into it. What political deals have been done within the Labour Party… I felt it was the pet project of one or two Labour Members then and this new position may well confirm that.
So, at potentially £80 for every household in the county for an Arts Space with a questioable business model is back on the table at a time when things are in financial meltdown and Staffordshire tax payers look set to fund Labour’s £100million pay deal fiasco. A busy time to come I think!
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2 comments
I don’t understand why you are so against this idea of an Arts Space. I’ve seen far more wasted on other Government projects. Give it a go!!!
I find this unbelievable. With all the issues around Staffordshire County Council’s finances how on Earth could they even consider this.
I hope the Labour Party realise they are finished in Staffordshire and are just having a final ‘play’. Mr Ellis, make sure you stop this nonsense for long enough to gain control and bring some reality back to Staffordshire.
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