Once upon a time, County Hall car park was full to bursting, and late-arriving staff there had to search for alternatives, perhaps at the Craft Centre but certainly the car park at the foot of Market Street.
On several occasions, the previous chief executive, Mohammed Mehmet, commented that if he returned to base after a meeting elsewhere, rather than endlessly tour the County Hall car park on the off-chance of a space, he'd immediately go to the Craft Centre. That, he said, was better value for money for the tax payer than wasting his time hunting and waiting for a space to come up at County Hall.
Indeed, that same chief exec would also personally reprimand those who tried to park on the car park's double yellow lines. These were desperate staff in search of somewhere to pop their car.
But look at the situation, now. These images we taken yesterday, on a Thursday morning, at 10.20. What they demonstrate is the recent state of employment at County Hall. In the shot above, 30 per cent of spaces are unoccupied. And, the vacancies are far worse on a Friday and during school holidays.
Why is this? First, more people are billeted in the more northern offices, at Dinbych and Y Rhyl. This is closer to the county's main population and so is understandable. Secondly, more people are working at home and coming into the office less frequently. We have broadband internet access to thank for this growing revolution. Thirdly, the county council employs fewer staff than it ever has.
What does this mean? What are the consequences? Fewer staff in County Hall means fewer people lunching and shopping in Rhuthun/Ruthin... and this cannot be at all good.
On several occasions, the previous chief executive, Mohammed Mehmet, commented that if he returned to base after a meeting elsewhere, rather than endlessly tour the County Hall car park on the off-chance of a space, he'd immediately go to the Craft Centre. That, he said, was better value for money for the tax payer than wasting his time hunting and waiting for a space to come up at County Hall.
Indeed, that same chief exec would also personally reprimand those who tried to park on the car park's double yellow lines. These were desperate staff in search of somewhere to pop their car.
