Planning on hold for stress relief

Planning on hold for stress relief

Planning inquiries had to be left on an answer phone

A council's planning department was 'put on hold' while its staff went on a stress management course.

Many callers were faced with an answer machine when trying to contact the office at Sheffield City Council.

Fifty members of the team went on the course, which cost £40-a-head, leaving a severely reduced service.

Paul Scriven, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: "I can't think of any private sector organisation that would close down an entire department for staff training."

Cost effective

A spokesman for Sheffield City Council said the department offered a reduced service while staff training was carried out.

"Such a high number of staff went on the course because it was the most cost effective way," he said.

"It was a health and safety issue which should help improve further a high performing planning department.

"There were people around taking phone calls and answering general inquiries.

"They could access an officer in the case of an emergency."