Staff
were consulted on the original proposals and as a result of the consultation
one of the proposed redundancies was withdrawn and the saving found elsewhere –
the proposals were then revised for Members of the Authority to consider at
last Friday’s National Park Authority meeting.
Chief Executive for Bannau Brycheiniog National Park
Authority, John Cook explained that implementing the cuts was one of the
hardest decisions the Authority has had to make in recent years.
“This has been a very difficult period for the
Authority. We are a relatively small and close knit family and each job
loss will be felt across the whole Authority. We have made many difficult
decisions to reach this year’s budget but none more so, than the loss of
posts.”
Chairman for Brecon
Beacons National Park Authority, Mrs Julie James said: “Decisions like
these are being made across Wales but that doesn’t make them any easier. The welfare of our staff is a priority and we
were determined to explore every avenue before we resorted to
redundancies. It’s
not easy for the staff that are affected but the process is necessary, if we
are to prepare ourselves for the financial pressures that lie ahead.”
Key cost saving proposals agreed by Members also include a reduction in
the funds available for the Sustainable Development Fund and Rights of Way
projects and closure of Llanthony Priory public toilets. The closure of the
current Abergavenny Tourist Information Centre was also approved although
discussions are ongoing with current and potential stakeholders with the aim of
securing an alternative option. The withdrawal of the Beacons Bus service
is also proposed but Members of the Authority will consider this following the
completion of a detailed Equality Impact Assessment.
-ENDS-