I see Cllr Ken Thornber has started softening ther public up to cuts in staff and services at the county council “to meet government targets.” What a pity he didn’t think of costs before he authorised £43 million spending on his prestige headquarters in Winchester. No wonder its called the castle.

 All around the county there are district and borough council buildings under utilised. In Andover for instance there is empty office space at Test Valley’s Beech Hurst offices, some already used by Hampshire County Council. Why not cut the costs of offices in Winchester by relocating services out to where the council taxpayers are, in Andover and elsewhere. Not only would this save county council taxpayers money it would also give a valuable boost to cash strapped boroughs as well.