County leader acts to save jobs

9:13am Saturday 7th April 2007

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COUNTY Council leader Angus Campbell is attempting to save staff at the award-winning Dorset History Centre in Dorchester from redundancy.

Around six-full time jobs are in danger as the service - which must save £81,500 over the next three years - looks to cut costs.

Now Coun Campbell has written to fellow leaders at Bournemouth Borough Council and the Borough of Poole - which run the centre with Dorset County Council - to explore other money-saving options.

He told members of the council's cabinet he felt it was worthwhile considering whether the Dorset History Centre could generate enough cash to pay its own way. He said: "Given the amount of money it makes and the success of the service, it seems to be the sensible thing to do."

"We're not talking about huge amounts of money here. Perhaps we could put work in progress to try and make the centre pay that amount itself."

But Coun Campbell was keen to stress that it was early days for his proposal.

He said: "I've written to the other leaders because I thought it would be worth the effort to protect what is an excellent service rather than break it down.

"But the problem we always have is that the service is spread between three authorities. Decision-making can be particularly difficult. I cannot predict what the outcome will be.

"We recognise the financial situation is dire but it's worth that extra effort in this case."

Councillor David Crowhurst, cabinet member for adult services, welcomed the move.

"As portfolio holder, I commend this," he said. "It's a very important service that we offer to the public. I think it's very important that it moves forward as it is at the moment."

Proposals for the new staffing structure and budget - which could also see reduced opening hours at the Dorset History Centre - have been presented to employees and trade unions for consultation.

A report reflecting the outcome will go before the Joint Archives Advisory Board on April 23.