‘There has been neglect all across the board – it is a disgrace, they are letting us all down’
Criticism is levelled at the District and County Councils over maintenance work in the town
CALLS have been made to bring a Staffordshire Moorlands market town back up to standard after claims about ‘years of neglect.’
At last week’s meeting of Leek Town Council a motion was approved calling on Staffordshire Moorlands District Council to work with the town council to bring Leek town centre up to standard ready to welcome shoppers and visitors back to the town.
The motion, put forward by Councillor Matt Swindlehurst, said: “This council calls on Staffordshire Moorlands District Council to work with town councillors in a collegiate and positive manner, in order to bring up to standard, and continue to maintain, the town centre assets such as benches, lamps and railings.
“Leek Town Council believes that this investment in the improvement and enhancement of Leek’s town centre will be a key element in attracting visitors and residents into the centre, supporting local businesses, and the provision of associated employment opportunities, as we move forward from lockdown.”
Mr Swindlehurst said: “I want to focus on two main areas. Firstly the Market Place which is a conservation area. In particular the neglect of the Victorian lamp standard, which is listed. Secondly, Sparrow Park. This area needs considerable attention to get it ready for when the town ‘opens up’
“It’s an important social space, in that it allows for social distancing in order for people to meet up safely. We see it as a main ‘gateway’ to the main shopping centre, and presently gives a poor first impression. The town council organised extra Christmas lights for the area and will be looking at extra bunting and flags for the summer but SMDC needs to be part of this work. It needs to reflect the high standard of maintenance around the Nicholson War Memorial where the hard work of volunteers from ‘Friends of the Nicholson War Memorial, supported by the town council keep the area attractive and welcoming.”
Town mayor, Councillor Stephen Wales said the situation was a blight on the town.
He said: “The maintenance is a blight on a wonderful town. We all pay our rates and have been let down by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and Staffordshire County Council.
“There has been neglect across the board including benches and lamp standards. There is a banner that has been rotting away for eight or nine years. It is a disgrace, they are letting people down.”
Councillor Brian Johnson said town councillors should contact everyone at the district council every week.
He said: “I suggest that we should flood everyone that you can think of every week. You have got to make a nuisance of yourself.
“Our town councillor Mike Worthington, who is also a county councillor, can badger Staffordshire County Council.”
Councillor Lyn Swindlehurst said it was time to ask representatives from Staffordshire Moorlands District Council to a meeting.
She said: “We need to take the lead. It is our town not their’s.”
Councillor Mike Worthington said it was disappointing to hear about the issues.
He said: “We have been trying to get a bus shelter done in Cheddleton. You have to keep knocking on the door, it is all sub contracted to Derbyshire.”
The town council members approved the motion put forward and agreed to draft a letter to the Moorlands council over the issues.
Speaking to the Post & Times, Councillor Edwin Wain, who has the responsibility for planning, property and development at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, said: “The matter is on the agenda and we will be looking at issues once the covid-19 restrictions are lifted.”