A full explanation of how and why the decision to "re-position" Chelmsford Borough Council's economic development unit was taken was demanded by Liberal Democrat group leader, Cllr Phil Harvey, at last week's full council meeting.

The council said in December that staff of the five-strong unit, set up 10 years' ago to help cope with the changing nature of the area's employment, were being transferred to other departments.

Cllr Harvey told the council that any such decision should have been considered by the executive, a policy board, or committee.

"I want to know what the financial implications are and I want to know whether we are talking about a smaller number of staff," he said.

Liberal Democrat councillor Tom Smith-Hughes added, "There are two key issues: the impact of the decision to disband the unit on the economic wellbeing of the borough, and how the decision was made."

Published Monday January 26, 2004

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