I i Kenneth Baker: in correspondence with ACO CONSERVATIONI THE METROPOLITANAREAS Mike Pear.ce has been in correspondence with the Secretary of State to ask what provision is to be made for the continuation of conservation advice in the areas of the Metroplolitan counties after they have been abolished. The first reply dealtwith the question of archaeological advice, the second reads as follows: "The contribution that Conservation Officers make to the improvements of our townscapes and landscapes is vital indeed and I certainly hope to see that their experience and expertise continues to be available to the Borough C9uncils and District Councils after the abolition of the upper tier of local government in London and the Metropolitan areas. There is no reason why this should not be be so. The Local Government Act 1985 gives the statutory parameters within which the Boroughs and Districts can join together to ensure that services which are at present county-based, but which are used by all of the Boroughs or ~ CIVIC TRUST ENVIRONMENT WEEK May 3-11 1986 For everyone to join in improving their surroundings. Enjoy local events including exhibitions, guided walks, fairs, garden competitions, visits, practical projects, clean sweeps, nature trails, tree planting. All run by local amenity societies; It's a nationwideevent for all ages. Call 01-930 0914 for the address of your nearest local amenity society, or write to Civic Trust, 17 Carlton House Terrace, London SWlY SAW. districts, continue to be available to them. The machinery for ensuring this is the Co-ordinating Committee which now exists in each of the Metropolitan Areas and in London. This Committee has the important function of ensuring that joint services continue to be provided and that the personnel involved are found the most appropriate new base from which to work. I readily appreciate that there have been a lot of difficulties in getting the the Borough and Districts to face up to the realities of abolition and so get round the table to talk about the future. However, I know that they are now beginning to co-operate and make arrangements for the continued provision of joint services. You might find it reassuring to establish contact with the Co-ordinating Committees and emphasise the need to ensure that conservation services are properly safeguarded." We should be glad to hear from our members in the Metropolitan Areas with news of how these arrangements are working out in practice! .Bagel5
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