Council must decide on its future home

MEMBERS of Frodsham Town Council will meet on March 7 in an attempt to make a final decision on whether or not to remain at Castle Park House.
They will have a warning from veteran councillor Frank Pennington still ringing in their ears: “Tread very carefully.”
Cllr Pennington is not opposed to the council keeping Castle Park House as its home – provided it is on the right terms.
But he fears Cheshire West and Chester Council may be trying to unload responsibility for the whole of Castle Park onto the Town Council.
He said: “Even that could only be the beginning – they might also want us to take over other responsibilities across the whole of Frodsham. Maybe even sweeping the streets.
“We should be very careful – very cautious indeed.”
It was only last year the council made the decision to move into Castle Park House after spending years in cramped conditions in the adjoining  Footman’s Cottage.
But this meant an increase in rent from £7,500 to £30,000-a-year and also a staffing increase,
Currently the council have use of the whole of the ground floor at Castle Park House = which gives them the opportunity for an income from sub-letting.  But so far, this income has proved disappointing.
A number of options will be on the table, including reducing the amount of space they rent at Castle Park House moving out of the building altogether – possibly to Frodsham Community Centre.
Former councillor Mike Pusey has warned that in three years the council could be facing a rent of £50,000 if they continue to occupy the whole of the ground floor of Castle Park House. Last year, he suggested a move to the Community Centre would make sense.
But some councillors believe Castle Park House is the jewel in Frodsham’s crown and the natural home for the council.