Council chamber springs a leak (From York Press)

Council chamber springs a leak

9:13am Tuesday 16th October 2012 in News

REPAIRS may be needed to the roof of York’s Guildhall after a political leak of a different kind.

Water started trickling into the council chamber at Guildhall during last week’s full meeting of City of York Council – while councillors were discussing their accommodation plans.

These include leaving Guildhall, although full council meetings will still be held there. The leak did not cause the meeting to be halted, but the extent of the roof damage is to be assessed.

Council leader James Alexander said: “I never like to see leaks, but at least this one had a sense of timing about it.

“Situations such as this are not tolerable and this is why we are rationalising the council’s property portfolio to make savings, while ensuring our buildings are properly maintained and fit for use.”

An international competition, run by the Royal Institute of British Architects and sponsored by York Civic Trust and Yorkboat, is seeking ideas for how to make the most of Guildhall and the neighbouring riverside area once the council moves out.

There is a first prize of £5,000 plus other cash prizes for the runners-up. More than 30 registrations have been made and details will emerge later.