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Went to Durham County Council today to the official opening of their new super depot. When driving in I thought I was at the wrong building as it looked like a software company from the outside.
DCLG Minister John Healey was on hand to unveil the plaque and we all then got a tour of the facilities. The Council Leader, Albert Nugent was as pleased as punch to have John at the opening and the portfolio holder Trevor Carroll was also on hand to welcome the Minister. Vivian Wiley the Service Director spoke at the opening about the work that the Services Directorate undertake and how this contributes to the corporate objectives of the council. Everything from community safety to the environment and the local economy. John responded and spoke about the reorganisation that was ahead and also about trading and charging.
As we toured the facilities and the transport and highways workshops it was to good an opportunity to miss, so I had a decent discussion with John about Trading and Charging and expressed my views about where the guidance published in 2003 was flawed. Based on Johns reaction I am hopefully that we will have a lengthy dialogue about this that may lead to benefits for all.
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