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MP Jackson's threat over centre decision
A THREAT to report Peterborough City Council for "misusing public money" has been issued by MP Stewart Jackson after plans to push ahead with a centre for vulnerable people were revealed.
A THREAT to report Peterborough City Council for "misusing public money" has been issued by MP Stewart Jackson after plans to push ahead with a centre for vulnerable people were revealed.The council recommended on Friday that it should press ahead with buying a 109-year lease for 102 to 104 Bridge Street, Peterborough, which is being earmarked as the site for the Healthy Lifestyles Centre.
The 1.2 million scheme, being spearheaded by NHS Peterborough and Turning Point, is designed to provide support services for the homeless and other struggling people in the city.
In January, Mr Jackson demanded a public debate on the plans, which he described as "too woolly", and was furious when he discovered the council was trying to push through the plans with no further discussion.
The council is contributing 100,000 towards the 800,000 lease, with the rest funded by the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), and said it would continue to consult with relevant parties on the subject, but only after the purchase.
But in reply, Mr Jackson said: "If you insist on ramming through these plans, then I will write to the District Auditor advising them about the misuse of public money.
"I will do all I can to prevent further progress on the matter until you and NHS Peterborough have properly engaged with stakeholders and council tax-payers.
"There has been no proper consultation on this issue, no scrutiny of the plans, which at the moment are vague and undefined, without a realistic business plan."
The centre was originally planned for Lincoln Road, but this was scrapped after a massive public backlash about its location and concerns about the drugs services it would offer.
The new plans describe the centre as being "a physical hub for the delivery of aligned services to residents of Peterborough to increase and sustain economic participation" with courses and support offered at the centre helping give people training they need to raise their skill levels and get a job.
Cabinet member for resources Cllr David Seaton has until Thursday to approve the purchase, during which time the subject can be "called-in" for re-evaluation.
A council spokesman said: "Further engagement activity will be carried out by Turning Point, and this will commence as soon as the building has been purchased. It is hoped that once the building is ready to use it can become a hub for the community engagement and consultation activity, ensuring that local people and businesses have an opportunity to have their say."
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Friday 25 May 2012
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