Will new offices improve service?

While I recognise that the Canterbury City Council offices need change (‘£12m price tag for council HQ move’, Gazette, January 23), the simple solution of building a better HQ somewhere else does not sound as though much real thought has been given to the use to which it will be put. All the public has heard so far is the new building will be properly insulated to help the council achieve carbon-neutral status.

What thought has been given to locating staff in places where residents can make easy contact with them? Every so often, I drive along Military Road passing the council’s visitors’ car park which always seems very well-used. Surely the first decision involves defining how best to provide services to residents where they live. An industrial estate that most people visit by car is hardly going to have the carbon reduction impact for the community that has been claimed.

Many staff working on back-office functions support other councils in East Kent. What thought has been given to locating these functions in existing offices in other districts? Has any consideration been given to making use of parish or town council offices for the residentfacing roles?

It would also be good to hear that once the existing site in Military Road is cleared that it will be earmarked for social housing, built to a carbon-neutral standard. Meanwhile, there are two scenarios worth considering. Firstly, the council locating its resident-facing staff to the centre of Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay and appropriate villages, so residents can visit them without using a car. There are enough empty shops that could be adapted. Secondly, the use of the redundant Barretts premises as a location for all staff that must be in Canterbury. Its proximity to the Guildhall would be advantageous and avoid the showrooms being turned into yet another restaurant.

Blean Common, Blean

■ Last year we had the £5 million shortfall in money for services. The council needs £5 million for new offices, which could be up to 12 million just for their own vanity. Now they have put the green label on the project to get council tax payers’ backing. How about just repairing the roof for £1 million and spending £11 million on pavement and road repairs, that we use? The council offices are fit for their purpose - they don’t live in them.

People will be happier paying extra charges if it is beneficial for them, not overpaid council staff with fat pensions.

St Swithin’s Road, Tankerton

■ Continued on page 21