Persevere with it

EVERYONE wants to be informed these days, says Derek Holley, who is masterminding HDC s lavish new headquarters scheme. Quite so. But he and his cabinet colleagues, closeted behind closed doors, decided to splash out some £23 million of our money and t

EVERYONE wants to be informed these days," says Derek Holley, who is masterminding HDC's lavish new headquarters scheme. Quite so. But he and his cabinet colleagues, closeted behind closed doors, decided to splash out some £23 million of our money and told us next to nothing about it.

The project might make sense and the figures might add up. Or they might not. There's so little information available on this mighty project.

What I find objectionable is that we taxpayers weren't consulted on any aspect of it.

Cllr Ian Bates wrote to me that "others" (whoever they are) were allowed "an objective look" at the details and had approved them. He said the design "makes a clear statement demonstrating that the heritage of the town can be complemented by modern, functional buildings which will improve the town's appeal to potential investors".

Yes, but does it appeal to the investors who really matter - the local community?

And why is the council - which has an adequately staffed press and communications department that's perfectly capable of formulating a media strategy - hiring an eminent PR consultant, if not to apply even more professional spin to make this spending spree look good?

I agree with Nic Mounteney (Letters, April 12). If councillors want to spend large extra sums of public money, they should ask taxpayers - make a case - first, and not try to spin their way out of it afterwards.

Live with the crumbling hulk of Pathfinder House a little longer, gentlemen, scaffolding and all, until you can see the future more clearly. Then consult us.

STUART LITTLEWOOD, St Ives Road, Hemingford Grey