New leader vows review of decisions made by his predecessor
Scooterfest, Trestle Market and car parking among promises
CONTROVERSIAL plans are set to be reversed by the new leadership of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.
Just days after a change in administration at Moorlands House, the new group was asked by the Post & Times about a number of key issues.
New leader Paul Roberts confirmed that the Wednesday market would be returned to Derby Street from today.
He also promised a review into plans to redevelop Leek Trestle Market, and to arrange for the popular Scooterfest event to be held there later this month.
The question was also raised if residents of the Moorlands would finally be told why former chief executive of the council, Simon Baker, left suddenly without serving a notice period.
Councillor Roberts said: “I am extremely pleased to be formally confirmed as leader by the full council, and am looking forward to making positive changes for the people of the Staffordshire Moorlands.
“My very first job as leader will be to immediately engage with the organisers of Scooterfest to arrange use of Leek’s Trestle Market for their upcoming event.
“In addition, having listened to residents views, I will also be reviewing capital spending projects, such as the trestle market refurbishment and the car park strategy.
“Having already met with market traders to discuss their views on the market and its future, I have agreed that the market will move back onto Derby Street from Wednesday, May 11, along with the reopening of the car park on Market Square to hopefully drive footfall.”
Councillor Roberts has outlined his new cabinet team and their portfolios, including himself, leader responsible for
Planning and the Corporate Plan; Mark Deaville, deputy leader, responsible for Sports and Leisure; Ross Ward, responsible for Communities and Procurement; James Aberley, responsible for Customer Services, ICT, Parking and Assets; Mike Worthington responsible for Finance; Sav Scalise responsible for Environment and Waste Collection; Keith Flunder responsible for Tourism, Arts and Culture and Regeneration and Joe Porter, responsible for Climate Change and Biodiversity.
On the subject of the departure of Simon Baker, the new group said: “Councillor Roberts and the cabinet await a full briefing from officers on the situation, following which a decision will be made regarding what further information can be shared.”
Councillor Roberts said he is keen to hear from residents about what they would like to see happen across the Moorlands and invites people to email paul.roberts@ staffsmoorlands.gov.uk