I will be attending Shifnal Town Council this evening via Zoom. The main agenda item is the proposed Town Centre improvements. There are three options available with varying costs. The latest option 3 is updated based on feedback received from January’s meeting prior to COVID lock-down.
I understand that the designs do not suite everyone’s preferences, but the overwhelming feedback I receive is of frustration from residents, that they see houses being built in the Town, but do not see investment into its infrastructure.
This is a challenge to the Town Council who are the key decision makers in spending the Town’s CIL monies. The project itself has been in progress for over 5 years now and costs have been mounting during that time through WSP, consultants working for Shropshire Council.
Barring any minor changes at this stage, I am in favour of proceeding with tenders and eventually seeing work commencing. This should be seen as the start of a process in developing Shifnal. Other opportunities may develop in future, including electric car charging, additional parking, and further town centre enhancements, but for now, this is the proposal on the table, so let’s get on with it.
If you are interested in finding out more about the work of the Town Council, its agendas and minutes for past and future meetings are available here https://www.shifnaltowncouncil.gov.uk/STC/meetings.asp
Edward Bird - Councillor for Shifnal South and Cosford 