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Ref: 262/07 6 July 2007
Cheshire Named In Government Pilot Scheme
Cheshire County Council has been named as one of 20 councils to take part in a Government pilot scheme called ‘Advancing Assets for Communities’ which aims to demonstrate best practice in the transfer of redundant buildings, including surplus schools, to community groups.
Cheshire is one of only two authorities in the North West selected to take part. The announcement follows the recent launch of the Quirk Review called ‘Making Assets Work’ which looked at the community management and ownership of public assets.
As part of this pilot, Cheshire will receive consultancy advice from the Development Trust Association and three other organisations funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government.
The Cheshire buildings to be considered are:
• the Winsford Centre, formerly known as Winsford Neighbourhood Centre , which could be transferred to Wincap.
• Dunham Hill School which closes in Summer 2008
• The former Water Street School in Bollington which could be transferred to Bollington Initiative Trust
Cheshire County Council also wants to explore the creation of a Cheshire Community Property Trust to handle the future handover of some property assets to community groups.
Executive Member for Community and Communications Nora Dolphin welcomed the Secretary of State’s announcement.
“Cheshire already leases a number of buildings to community groups and this demonstration project is a great chance to look at the opportunities for transferring the management of more properties” she said
“We welcome the opportunity to work with local community groups and consultants to see how our properties can help to meet local needs.”
Note To Editors: Further details available from County Councillor Dolphin on 01606 852526, Cheshire County Council’s County Property Officer, Ian Gould (01244 602501) and/or Damien Lally, Senior Social Enterprise Officer (01244 603126). |