Listed Buildings, Flood Works in Albrighton, Boscobel House

Properties in Shifnal

Many residents have expressed concern at the run-down state of some properties around Shifnal, some in prominent positions, most notably the property at 22 Market Place, next to Blue florists.

Below, I have shared some of the properties that were collated and sent to me by the editor of Shifnal Parish Magazine.  As you can see, there have been some buildings put to good use. I have mentioned previously that the Town Council are currently in negotiations to further extend the usage of the now Community Hub as a base for West Mercia Police.

However, unfortunately there are other properties in the area that need revival.  I have sent a copy of this document to Professor Mark Barrow at Shropshire Council, Director of Place for comment.

Regarding 22 Market Place, the building has been unused for over 10 years.  Since I was elected as representative for Shifnal South and Cosford 3 years ago, I have on several occasions asked for this building to be prioritised and if necessary, compulsory purchased.  I last received correspondence 6 weeks ago and I was told that the Council have a schedule to enforce making the building structurally sound and weathertight and to tidy up the external appearance. I was told that the council’s primary focus as a local authority and where their enforcement powers lie, is with the preservation of the building. Building control have arranged the fencing and are dealing with the invoicing.  The Council or I are not aware of the owner’s intention to sell or retain the property at this time.

I have again requested that the Council do more to maintain the front of the building, and to also clarify the conditions for compulsory purchase of the building.

Shifnal Listed Buildings in Need of Revival

Flood work completed in Albrighton

Work on the drainage relining near the A41 (bridge by the Wyevale garden centre, Albrighton) has been completed and is now waiting for final sign off from the MOD (the works extended into MOD land).  Thank you for the work done by the Albrighton Flood Action Group (AFLAG, https://www.facebook.com/albrightonflag/) and Shropshire Council’s Drainage and Flood Risk Manager, John Bellis. 

I have requested that similar work be carried out in Station Road, Albrighton where there is a more acute risk to residents. 

NB. If you live in Shifnal and suffer from flooding or the risk of it, please contact the Shifnal Flood Partnership Group https://www.shifnalflood.org/copy-of-home

Hide and Seek at Boscobel House

Following a £950,000 investment by English Heritage – a major representation project at Boscobel House and the Royal Oak has been delivered and the site re-opened to visitors on Monday April 12th. Normally a launch event would showcase the main features of the project, but unfortunately this is not possible in the current circumstances. Instead, you can watch a specially made launch video that explains all about the project and how it will bring Boscobel’s stories to life. https://vimeo.com/534190444/d864d6e477?utm_source=The%20English%20Heritage%20Trust&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=12294134_Boscobel%20external%20Stakeholders%20-%2009%20April%202021&utm_content=Boscobel%20video

Road Surfaces in Shifnal

I have again reported Evelith Lane again to Shropshire Council’s Highways department, noting that residents and myself now consider this road dangerous and that work there should be done urgently. I have also reported potholes in Haughton Road.

According to an article in the Shropshire Star, the contractors used to resurface highways, Kier have now disciplined staff over the poor work that has been done (we have our own example in Aston Street). https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/local-hubs/bridgnorth/2021/04/10/disciplinary-action-taken-against-underperforming-workers-fixing-shropshires-pothole-ridden-roads/

Forthcoming Council Meetings

I will be attending Shifnal Town Council this Thursday 15th April. On the agenda amongst other things is a report from the Estates Advisory Committee, to approve in principle the designs of the proposed Rain Garden at the Innage Road site and a report from the Planning Committee. https://www.shifnaltowncouncil.gov.uk/STC/index.asp

I will also be attending the Annual Meeting and Parish Council Meeting for Donington with Boscobel on 20^th April http://www.doningtonwithboscobelpc.org.uk/community/donington-with-boscobel-parish-council-12705/home#

Coronavirus updates – Further easing of restrictions from 12 April

As you will be aware, the government has updated the national lockdown guidance to reflect the new changes to the rules in England which come into force yesterday (12 April).

From 12^th April:

·        non-essential retail, hairdressers and nail salons, public buildings, indoor leisure and sports facilities and most outdoor attractions can reopen. ·        outdoor hospitality venues can reopen, with table service only. ·        all childcare and supervised activities are allowed indoors. Parent and child groups can take place indoors for up to 15 people (children under 5 will not be counted in this number) ·        weddings, civil partnership ceremonies, wakes and other commemorative events can take place for up to 15 people (anyone working is not included in this limit), including in indoor venues that are permitted to open or where an exemption applies. Wedding receptions can also take place for up to 15 people, but must take place outdoors, not including private gardens. ·        care home residents will be able to nominate two named individuals for regular indoor visits

Outdoor gatherings must still be limited to six people or two households, and people must not socialise indoors with anyone they do not live with or have not formed a support bubble with. People should continue to work from home and minimise domestic travel where they can.