THE leaking of confidential information about the proposed sale of Frodsham’s Park Lane play area put the Town Council in a difficult position, legally and in terms of commercial sensitivity.
They increased suspicion of a “secret sale”, having an adverse impact on public trust – and they could represent a breach of the Councillors’ Code of Conduct. These were the findings of Jim Dean, the Cheshire West and Chester Council auditor, who carried out an external investigation into how the Town Council handled the planned sale of the play area. He concluded that the Town Council had a genuine wish to improve play areas in Frodsham. He saw no evidence to suggest personal gain or advantage had been sought by anyone connected with the council.
However, some mistakes had been made and lessons could be learned. Mr Dean was asked to carry out the investigation as a result of public disquiet about inadequate consultation. This led to the council reversing a decision to sell the play area to the highest bidder and re-opening the play area. Mr Dean said all the evidence suggested the council could sell the land for any purpose it wishes, although it was originally purchased in 1939 as a play area.
A planning and development consultant was given a brief which included meeting prospective developers to determine interest levels and value and he obtained two “offers”.
But the leaking of this details at an early stage increased suspicion of a “secret sale.” A member of the council contacted Frodsham Foundation to publicise the sale on its website prematurely – when it had been agreed to begin the process of realising value but not yet to sell. Clearer language in the appropriate minutes might have reduced the scope for misunderstanding. But the main lesson for the council was on consultation.
They had relied too much on consultation by Groundwork Cheshire, who were preparing a play strategy for the council, and this had not been enough. Mr Dean said a new, wider consultation had now started. The future of the play area was still uncertain, the offer to purchase was still on the table, had been obtained by a fair and open process and was in line with District Valuer recommendations. He concluded that it was essential the council made a firm decision once the results of the consultation were known.
