| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Savings in Civic Centre Bureaucracy | |
| Posted by: | Mary Blyth | |
| Date/Time: | 27/01/11 09:21:00 |
| Dawn, the money for refurbishments was given to Laing in 2009, well before the change of government and its policies that have enforced these massive budget cuts. Here's an article from June 2009 http://www.richmondandtwickenhamtimes.co.uk/news/4461905.__5m_investment_to_upgrade_Hounslow_s_libraries/ "Hounslow Council is pumping more than £5m into libraries after it emerged many have leaky roofs, asbestos and faulty lifts. Councillors agreed to give contractor John Laing Integrated Services (JLIS) the lump sum to transform Chiswick, Osterley, Heston, Bedfont, Cranford and Brentford libraries. The three-stage plan will provide essential maintenance for some libraries which have not seen any council cash for almost a decade." and a link to JLIS website http://www.laing.com/projects/hounslow_parks_leisure.html "JLIS are committed to making improvements to all the services and facilities under our management and increase participation in the activities they offer, the ultimate aim being to raise the profile of libraries, parks, arts and heritage services in Hounslow. A £5.7 million library capital investment programme will be delivered during 2009/2010 that will refurbish and refresh the boroughs libraries. The delivery of our service will maximise community benefits and address community issues around social inclusion/exclusion, access to opportunities, education, learning and development, health and well-being, community safety, community cohesion and engagement. We will utilise the parks, libraries, theatre, museum and artist studios as a focus for community activity and engagement. The contract for the parks is for 10 years and 15 years for the libraries. Therefore, we have adopted a planned approach in agreement with elected members, officers and friends groups to bring about short, medium and long term measures to improve customer service and satisfaction." |