COUNCIL tax bills could rise after proposals for a £72,500 loan to help fund the purchase of the former Word of Mouth Cafe on Vine Street for new offices were revealed by town council chiefs.
An estimated increase of 90p per year in Evesham Town Council’s share of the council tax bill is expected should the proposals being suggested by Evesham Town Council chiefs be approved.
Evesham residents have been asked to make their voices heard as part of a town council consultation into its bid to borrow £72,500 from the Public Works Loan Board, a group which hands out cash on behalf of the Government.
If backed by residents, the cash will go towards the purchase of the building and a revamp to transform it into new offices for Evesham Town Council.
Council chiefs have been on the hunt for a new home since it was given notice to leave their current base at the Community Contact Centre on Abbey Road last year.
A range of options have been considered which included renting premises, working from the Town Hall and even sharing space with the town’s library on Oat Street.
Town council bosses have now settled on the former Word of Mouth cafe at 19/20 Vine Street which has been vacant since the popular business shut up shop in March.
Clerk Stuart Carter said: “Vine Street was chosen for a number of reasons. Most notably its prominent location in the centre of the town and within a small distance to the council’s Almonry Museum and the Town Hall.
“The Town Council is keen to play a bigger role in the town and being in a prominent location is part of this. The building offers disabled access, a reception area where we can assist members of the public and a meeting room. It would also bring back in to use a building that is currently unoccupied and be sound investment for the town,” he added.
Half of the cost of the move will be met by the council’s own cash but with some money already earmarked for a new cemetery and the cost of elections, council chiefs need to take out a loan to cover the remainder of the sale.
“The cost of financing the loan, which is proposed to be paid back over 10 years, is relatively small given interest rates are low. The cost is also similar to the cost of renting a simalr premises, except after 10 years the loan will be paid, rather than renting where the cost would be indefinite,” Mr Carter added.
Town taxpayers can air the views by e-mail [email protected] or by completing the form at www.eveshamtowncouncil.gov.uk
All feedback must be sent by September 3.
