Providing land for an extension of Holbeach Medical Centre would be best coming from the parish council, the leader of South Holland District Council has said.
Coun Nick Worth was responding to a question from Holbeach and district councillor Sophie Hutchinson, after previously announcing that plans for a new health hub in the town had fallen through.
“The only option now is to expand where they need more land,” Coun Hutchinson said. “The surrounding land owner is the local authority (South Holland District Council) and Holbeach Parish Council.
“Will you commit to investigating using council land to enable the doctors’ surgery to expand?”
Coun Worth said: “If the parish council wants to have a chat with the surgery, I think that would be the best route.
“I’ve no problem with it. It does make sense.
“It would probably be a more feasible option for them.”
A spokesman for Holbeach Parish Council told The Voice that the authority had not had any related discussions with health services about the possibility.
“The council operates on the principles of collective decision-making and transparency,” a spokesman said.
“As such, all decisions are made in the council’s official meetings, which are duly convened and conducted according to our established procedures.
“We are committed to serving the community with integrity and will continue to uphold the values of democratic governance in all our activities.”
l Meanwhile, Holbeach Parish Council has defended its decision to move its base from Coubro Chambers saying it does provide value for money for taxpayers.
A spokesman described the new location, understood to be a bungalow in Carter’s Park previously held by the person who looked after the park, as ‘a more accessible location’.
“This move comes as part of our ongoing commitment to improving public services and ensuring efficient use of resources,” the spokesman said.
“Coubro Chambers, which currently costs the council approximately £3,000 annually to run, requires significant work to keep it up to a suitable standard.
“In contrast, our other council property, regardless of its intended use, also demands considerable updating.
“This situation has presented an opportunity to move to a location that offers better public access, including disabled access, which Coubro Chambers lacks.
“The new office location will not only provide easier access for the public but will also result in significantly lower running costs.
“This strategic move aligns with our goal of enhancing service delivery while being mindful of our financial responsibilities.”
Coun Hutchinson had criticised both that move and another to purchase £129 mobile phones.
The council spokesman said it was ‘a move to enhance fiscal responsibility and streamline communication’.
“This decision is driven by the subject access request from a councillor and the subsequent refusal of councillors and staff to use their own devices.
“In the past councillors were issued with Acer Tablets but these have since become obsolete.
“The cost is substantially lower than the expenses incurred for supplying iPads to district councillors. It ensures councillors have the necessary tools to perform their duties effectively.
“By opting for mobile phones, the council is demonstrating its commitment to prudent financial management while maintaining efficient communication channels for councillors.
“This strategic decision aligns with our ongoing efforts to optimise resources and deliver value to the community.”
