TWO major projects are on track for completion on time, the leader of Lichfield District Council has said.
Cllr Doug Pullen updated cabinet members on progress on the leisure centre development at Stychbrook Park and the cinema scheme in the Three Spires Shopping Centre.
He said he was confident both projects would deliver within the anticipated timescales.
“The cinema contractor is on site and on track for completion next year – it’s brilliant news.
“Meanwhile, the keys for Lichfield leisure centre are due to be given over to us next Friday I believe. We remain on track for completion in December.”
Cllr Pullen’s comments came as he delivered a report on the progress of the local authority.
He added:
“Other particular highlights are the successful opening of the Lichfield to Chasewater Greenway, which is fantastic. It’s good to see so many residents using it already too.
“The Burntwood Leisure Centre gym refurbishment has also been completed and that’s looking very good over there as well.
“We’ve also flown through our Disabled Facilities Grant adaptations this year. It’s an absolute reversal of where we’ve been most years prior to it coming in-house when it was always the number one capital slippage on the budget because we weren’t able to get through that.
“Then there’s the Green Flag Awards for Beacon and Burntwood Park. And we’ve also seen two successful summer events in the Lichfield Proms and the Food and Drink Festival.
“If that was all we achieved in a year it would be fantastic on top of usual activity, but they are just highlights and the tip of the iceberg.”
Cllr Phil Whitehouse, cabinet member for operational services, parks and waste, said the council could be proud of the work it is carrying out.
“There’s a great deal of credit here if you look at what’s being delivered on top of business as usual and the distraction of local government reorganisation.
“The thing that stands out to me is not just the major projects which are on track, but a lot of things that help the community such as the Disabled Facilities Grants.
“This report is absolutely full of good news stories that we can all be proud of.”
Cllr Alex Farrell, cabinet member for housing and the Local Plan, added:
“The amount of things we are delivering is really, really good news.
“We’ve highlighted some of the key ones, but if you go down into detail we also have amazing stuff such as the launch of the new housing and homelessness strategy and bringing in a highways consultant to assist in planning.
“We’re also helping local businesses with start-up loans and engaging with Staffordshire County Council on relocating Lichfield City Bus Station – it’s all good work we are doing.
“It shows that council like this can be well run and keep council tax low, but also add on extra services that mean so much to local residents.”