Anger over plans for new air con units at Walsall Council office

A planning application had been submitted to the Conservative-led authority for the units to be installed in leader Mike Bird and his PA’s offices in the Grade 2 listed council house on Lichfield Street.

The application has since been withdrawn due to an ‘administrative error’ but will be resubmitted shortly.

The work forms part of a major £1 million refurbishment to the building that will also see other upgrades including full rewiring, improved security and new fire alarms.

Money for the project was allocated in the 2017/18 budget capital programme before the Conservative Party took full control of the council in May last year.

But the issue has sparked a huge backlash on social media with commenters saying the proposal should be dropped completely following a decision to scrap £1.29 million funding for the community alarm service.

'Appalled'

Mother-of-two Amy Wolfs, who has campaigned against the community alarm service decision, said: “They are doing this at a time when vulnerable people are being left to die. That money would plug the gap in the community alarm service budget.”

Walsall Labour’s David Morgan added: “I was appalled to learn that two air conditioning units were to be installed in the leader’s and his PA’s office.

“I find this very hard to stomach given the deep cuts that have been made recently to adult social care.

“This is a slap in the face for these service users and the general public in Walsall.

“This irresponsible planning application should not be permitted in any form while other council services such as adult social care are being cut.”

Obligations

Council leader Mike Bird said the total cost of the units was £6,000 and they were required under health and safety laws.

A Walsall Council spokesman said: “Many historic buildings in Walsall are protected by legislation designed to ensure the rich heritage that these buildings represent is not lost.

“The Grade 2 listed council house is no exception. The council takes its obligations seriously and council officers are currently in the planning stage of some major improvements to the infrastructure of the council house including wiring, fire alarms, security and other related items.

“Some of the works currently being planned require listed building consent as per guidance from English Heritage.

“This is a statutory requirement. The council will always gain appropriate permissions before commencing any works; and any works will be subject to a tender process to ensure best value is achieved.

“We are in a time where finances are tight and difficult decisions have to be made however we must consider the heritage of Walsall and our legal obligations.

“The council allocated £1,000,000 as part of its 2017/2018 for this package of works as part of its capital programme. Capital investments are one-off allocations compared with yearly revenue budgets which are used to pay for services.

“The application for listed building consent has been withdrawn due to an administrative error and will shortly be resubmitted correctly.”

By Gurdip Thandi, Local Democracy Reporter