MERGER BENEFITS SEEN IN MALVERN

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31832, 9 November 1968, Page 20

MERGER BENEFITS SEEN IN MALVERN

The county had settled into a well-knit and efli ciently-mn area after two amalgamations In five years and a half, said the chairman (Mr C. O. Redfern) In his annual report to the Malvern County Council yesterday. “This is clearly visible in the harmony among members, the huge increase in work capacity and achievement, rating stability and the improved financial position despite alarming increases in costs over recent years,” said Mr Redfern. “All these factors are directly attributable to amalgamation, and all ratepayers are gaining from them."

Amalgamation had meant the temporary rcintroduction of riding accounts, and they would be abolished at the end of the council’s term in three years. Rates and works costs had been fixed as if for three separate counties, but there had been no parochial thinking. Mr Redfern said that the 5 per cent wage order and devaluation had caused a sharp rise in costs, and it might be hard for the council Io continue with its 0.5 c rate. The council was now in the third year of a special assistance programme helped by the National Roads Board, he said. At the end of this year, 90 miles of new sealing would have been completed under this programme, nearly as much as had been done in all the preceding years. Cuts in N.R.B. money had extended the programme from four to five years, and while bridge jobs had been delayed there had been little effect on sealing. Spectacular progress had been made, and when the works were completed every ratepayer except those in remote areas, would be within two miles of a sealed road. Major matters for the council would be the continuation of the sealing programme, a greater involvement in townplanning, and possible developments for back-country winter sports. Darfieid could become a county town, the council would have to install a Barfield water-supply and might have to take more interest in amenities such as halls,

swimming baths, playing areas, and public toilets. Mr Redfern was re-elected chairman, and Cr G. E. Wright was elected deputychairman.

Committees elected were:— Finance, Crs Wright (chairman), H. H. Deans, W. G. Logan, B. G. Begg, W. H. Faulkner, W. H. Oliver, R. K. Reed; works, Crs A. D. Worsfold (chairman), C. C. Innes, D. W. Mulholland, J. N. Murchison, Logan, Deans, M McK. Gardner, Faulkner.