County Hall debate pulled over sale jeopardy fears

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Nov, 12:01 · Archive

Worcestershire County Council pulled a debate on County Hall's future over concerns it could prejudice the site's sale.

Worcestershire County Council withdrew a Reform UK motion calling for the NHS to be given first refusal on County Hall, the former council headquarters, after legal advice from council officers. The debate was scheduled for a full council meeting on 12 November but was pulled at the last minute. The monitoring officer Hazel Best told councillors she was unhappy for the building to be debated while still being marketed by Savills, as this could be seen to give preferential treatment to one potential bidder.

Reform leader Alan Amos attempted to make a statement on the withdrawal but was told by chief executive Paul Robinson that once a motion is withdrawn, there is no need to debate it. Amos called the withdrawal 'a cruel and devastating blow' and argued the site, located next to Worcestershire Royal Hospital, should be used to expand the hospital, which he said was 'overwhelmed by demand and working well beyond its capacity'.

Amos's position has been backed by Worcester's Labour MP Tom Collins, who has collected more than 600 signatures on a petition supporting the use of County Hall as an extension to the hospital. The council is also working with the NHS on plans for a diagnostic centre at a different location, Shrub Hill.

How it is being reported

• County Hall debate pulled over fears it could jeopardise the site's saleDEBATING the future of County Hall in a council meeting could have jeopardised the sale of the site, councillors have been told.Malvern Gazette · 13 Nov, 11:13
• County Hall debate pulled over fears it could jeopardise the site's saleDEBATING the future of County Hall in a council meeting could have jeopardised the sale of the site, councillors have been told.Worcester News · 13 Nov, 11:13

In this story: Worcestershire County Council · NHS · Worcestershire Royal Hospital · Reform UK · Alan Amos · Tom Collins · Savills · Worcestershire

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log