29 April
Corrections has announced that five new potential sites have been identified as alternatives to the proposed 8 Swansea Road development for the location of a Community Probation Services Centre in Flaxmere. This is in addition to the eight sites that have already been discussed and assessed over the previous two months.
Community Probation Services General Manager Katrina Casey said that of the five new potential sites identified as alternatives, two sites appeared to be strong options.
The two most promising alternatives are a privately owned site in western Flaxmere, and Council owned bare land opposite the 8 Swansea Road site.
"If we can make either of these sites work for us, we will definitely move away from the site at 8 Swansea Road."
Ms Casey said that after making an initial decision to site the new Community Probation Services Centre at 8 Swansea Road, Corrections informed the Council it would not act on this decision until 30 April and would actively consider any new sites proposed.
"Following a lot of work by a lot of people, five new potential alternative sites have been identified. One of these has been definitely ruled out as unsuitable and there is very little information available at this stage and within the necessary timeframe for two others. This leaves us with the two most promising options that we are actively and urgently seeking to progress.
"A further extension has been sought on the 8 Swansea Road option in order to pursue these two sites. This will be the third extension of time in order for alternative sites to be identified and considered and is the last time we can do this without incurring costs.
“At this stage we need to keep this site as an option in case neither of the two new sites work out, but we are going into this process very hopeful that one of these sites will be successful."
The final decision will be made by 14 May 2010.
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