CAB presence should be welcomed - in the Spetchells Centre or not

IN RECENT weeks, the manager of the West Northumberland CAB, Roger Braybrook, has faced extensive criticism from members of Prudhoe Town Council.

Quite rightly - if their accounts are to be believed.

At best, it appeared that a lack of communication had pretty much left everyone in the dark about the future of the organisation in the town, never mind whether that future would be at the new Spetchells Centre.

However, in interviews with The Hexham Courant during the last two weeks, Mr Braybrook has given plausible and well-reasoned arguments to illustrate his stance.

Firstly, the branch was unsure whether it would receive a much-need £100,000 grant.

Secondly, the Government had been threatening to sue it.

Is there any wonder everything else was put on hold?

This week’s announcement that the CAB will not take up a place at the Spetchells Centre after all is no doubt a disappointment.

It’s hard to think of another organisation so suited to the project’s community ethos, and those behind it seemingly did everything possible to keep it there.

However, the plus side by far outweighs the negative, as the CAB has secured new premises it believes can provide the best service for clients.

In short, the branch’s future look more secure than it’s done in some time - and that is a considerable achievement in itself.