Residents urged to give views
The leader of Nottinghamshire County Council has been asked to face residents at a public meeting next month to explain proposed budget cuts.
Mrs Kay Cutts and council officers have been invited to answer residents’ questions at a meeting at Ollerton Town Hall on January 6 at 6.30pm.
The county council is considering various cost-cutting measures in Ollerton and Boughton to help it find almost £85m in savings over the next three years to meet extra demand for services and to balance its budget.
It includes slashing more than £400,000 from Dukeries College and Complex out-of-school and community services budgets.
Ollerton’s Dukeries Day Centre for older people is also at risk of closure and Bishops Court Nursing Home, Boughton, could be sold.
The council wants to end its Dial-a-Ride service and is also proposing to withdraw the Sherwood Forester community bus service, which operates between tourist attractions during the summer.
The Mayor of Ollerton and Boughton, Mr Jason Ferguson, said: “Ollerton and Boughton, as a tightly knit community, has faced adversity before, and fought hard to make sure that the consequences didn’t adversely affect those people most in need.
“Unfortunately, we are faced with the same battle 20 years later and we will fight to make sure that those most at risk are not left high and dry by the decision makers who have probably never even visited our thriving town.
“We are ready for the fight and we will make sure that our voices are heard.”
Among the services at risk at Dukeries College and Complex are the community bus that takes students from outlying villages to more than 100 extra curricular activities each week, the community band, and riding lessons for the disabled.
The principal, Mr Danny Smith, said: “Our students are at risk of becoming isolated and not being able to participate in activities that give added value to the community.
“Our community budget helps to support the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to give our students the best possible start when they leave us.
“It helps them to become part of a thriving community to which they make a valuable contribution, to understand the concept of community cohesion, and helps break down some of the negative perceptions about young people in society.”
Staff and students have launched a petition and set up a support group on Facebook as well as a dedicated campaign website at
www.supportthedukeries.org
People have until January 22 to comment on the proposals. To do so visit
https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/home/your_council/financeandthebudget/budgetforthefuture/yourviewsonthebudget.htm
e.pietras@newarkadvertiser.co.uk