Very first transfer of services

Audlem has taken on the very first transfer of services from the Council.

A series of transfers are planned as part of Cheshire East’s local service delivery project – approved by Cabinet on September 5th – and Audlem Parish Council has now opened the toilet block to the public.

The transfer is part of Cheshire East Council’s commitment to localism and, during the past year, the authority has been in negotiations with a number of town and parish councils over the potential transfer of assets and services.

April 2012 is the target date for all agreed transfers but successful talks between Audlem Parish Council and Cheshire East meant the toilets could be handed over earlier.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities and ward member for Audlem, said: “I am pleased that this transfer has been successfully completed as I know it is something Audlem Parish Council has been keen to action.

“This represents the very first transfer of assets from Cheshire East Council to a local parish council. It is in keeping with our policy to transfer and devolve services and functions to towns and parishes as part of the Council’s commitment to localism.

“The maintenance and running of the toilets, which have been newly refurbished, is now in the hands of local people, who are best placed to decide how local services should be managed.”

Cheshire East aims to build strong communities with all forms of government working together, reducing duplication and working in partnership to make a difference.

Audlem Parish Council chairman Kate Down said: “This is a really important step for Audlem to have the public toilets available for use, as we know they have been traditionally well used.

“It is a triumph after a lot of work was put in by our parish councillors and from Cheshire East to reach this stage. We are delighted to be the first parish in Cheshire East to take on the first transferred service.”

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