Stone’s county councillor today said the county is still committed to the Crown Wharf project in the town, after town councillors voted to return money raised for the project if plans don’t move forward by the end of the year.
Local county councillor Philip Jones, along with Mark Winnington, the county council’s Cabinet member for assets and performance, reiterated their commitment to developing the site for the use of local people.
The site – just off Crown Street over the road from the Co-op car park – was originally put on the market by British Waterways in 2008 and Stone Town Council expressed an interest for public use. Staffordshire County Council owns the adjoining former fire station, and held discussions with the town council about how the project could move forward. This included an option of the county council purchasing the land.
British Waterways decided not to sell the land and instead are looking at options to develop it. Now they have announced it is “highly likely” they will have to review their position.
Stone Town Council voted to return the £100,000 it raised by upping its council tax precept in 2009 by the end of this year if plans had not moved forward.
The town council wants to turn part of the land at Crown Wharf into an “open amenity” for local people.
Today, local county councillor Philip Jones said: “Despite the failure of British Waterways to come to the table, the county council is still interested in working with Stone Town Council on a scheme of redevelopment. We are certain this site can be come a focal point for the community, and are committed to pushing this project forward along with Stone Town Council.”
County councillor Mark Winnington added: “I am increasingly concerned that the Crown Wharf project is not moving forward. We are completely committed to working with partners on this and will do everything we can to help Stone Town Council move this project forward. I am surprised that British Waterways don’t see the value in this site, which I am certain can be used more constructively.”
