Coun Nick Worth (Mail, July 9) has taken exception to my comments in The Voice (“Council shake-up leads to job fears”, July 2).
It is my contention that economic development is one of the core activities of the council. I’m sure Nick will not disagree with this.
What does concern me is that the council appears to be on a regular restructuring cycle, and whilst all businesses/organisations must adapt to the changing economic environment, these regular restructures can result in a culture where managers are constantly being cautious about their actions rather than focusing on moving forward.
There were a number of initiatives that Chamber had an interest in progressing that appear to have been sidelined during this restructuring.
For example, the Quarterbridge report on our markets and car parks was due out last autumn and is still awaited.
Our proposals to form an Agri-Food Forum, proposed following the council “Open for Business” launch in February has received positive feedback, but again, no progress.
Members of the Chamber commit many hours of their time to working with the council and other organisations trying to make positive economic gains for the area, particularly in the town and in the food distribution sector, and this requires the building of trust and the development of effective personal relationships.
Hopefully the current changes at the council can be implemented quickly so that the achievements we have made over recent years are not lost and that the momentum of us “working together” is quickly re-established with those appointed to the current vacant positions at the council.
Phil Scarlett
President, Spalding & District Area Chamber
