Mayor's vote decisive in cashiers closure (From Penarth Times)

Mayor's vote decisive in cashiers closure

11:40am Thursday 10th December 2009

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A LAST-DITCH attempt to save the cashiers office in Penarth failed last week - with the Mayor of Penarth registering the casting vote to close the branch.

As previously reported in the Penarth Times, the Vale of Glamorgan Council announced that the West House office on Stanwell Road - together with offices in Llantwit Major and Cowbridge - will shut next year as part of cost-cutting measures.

Cllr Mark Wilson, of the Stanwell Ward, launched a campaign to save the branch, which Penarthians regularly use for a range of services including to pay Council Tax and collect recycling bags.

A petition against the plans raised more than 3,000 signatures and prompted Cllr Wilson to ask the Vale Council to reconsider the decision.

But following a vote at a meeting of the Corporate Resource Scrutiny Committee, at the Civic Offices in Barry on Tuesday, the closure plan was confirmed.

The decision was made more controversial when Cllr John Fraser, the Mayor of Penarth, gave the casting vote to close all three offices.

"I’m very sad that the Penarth Conservative members voted in unison to close the offices,” said Cllr Wilson.

“I called the matter in from cabinet, in order to stop the closures.

“But it seems this decision was made in order to save a few thousand pounds.

“I was particularly disappointed in Penarth's Conservative Councillors, especially the Town Mayor Cllr John Fraser, who should stand up for Penarth.

“Now, thanks to the Conservatives, all three will close.”

Figures for 2008-2009 show more than 21,000 people used the Penarth cashiers office.

But Cllr Fraser, who is Chair of the Corporate Resource Scrutiny Committee as well as Penarth Town Mayor, believes closing the office was the right decision.

“It’s a shame that we’re losing the cashiers offices but the Vale Council has got to make savings - and we’re talking about millions of pounds here.

“In the end I don’t believe there was any choice.

“It’s a difficult economic climate and you have to balance that out with tough decisions.

“There are a range of options that are being considered that will ensure service delivery will not be affected in Penarth,” added Cllr Fraser.

“Some of the services, like checking council tax online, will be offered at Penarth Library.

“We’re also looking to provide other services at the Town Council offices at West House.”

A spokesperson for the Vale Council confirmed council tax and other bills can be paid by direct debit, telephone and over the internet. Payments can also be accepted at the Post Office and at local shops through the PayPoint and PayZone network.

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