West Mercia Police Based in Shifnal
You may be aware that West Mercia police are now officially based once again in Shifnal (located in the Community Hub in Shifnal, at the rear of the library). This will benefit Shifnal, Tong, Donington and Albrighton tremendously. I am already seeing regular foot patrols occurring locally, and police will have at least an extra hour per day to patrol than they would have previously.
For more details following these links to the local press coverage:
BBC News: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-shropshire-61706256
Shropshire Star: https://www.shropshirestar.com/news/local-hubs/telford/2022/06/06/shifnal-police-base-opens/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=veO5D8I9NTM
Town Council Website: https://www.shifnaltowncouncil.gov.uk/STC/news_final.asp?id=539
Casual Vacancy for Shifnal Rural Ward
Please be aware that there is a vacancy for Councillor in Shifnal Rural Ward following the resignation of Cllr John Davies.
The council received the resignation a week after the declaration of office had been completed and the Councillor had represented himself at the Council meeting therefore, the Council are required to follow the normal procedure for a casual vacancy.
The fourteen days for an election to be called starts tomorrow. If an election is not called after that date the Council can then co-opt into the role.
Travellers Site at Tong Forge, Stanton Road
Attached is the decision notice relating to the Travellers site at Tong Forge (which was declined). The applicants have the right of appeal to the planning Inspectorate, but the matter will now be passed to planning enforcement.
Town Centre Improvements
There has continued to be a lot of debate about the works currently being undertaken in Shifnal to improve the Town Centre (although some disagree that it will be an improvement).
I had previously posted on the history and decision making behind this here https://edwardbird.wordpress.com/2021/04/03/shifnal-town-centre-improvements/
The scheme is not without issues: it should have been more extensive (i.e. encompass a larger part of the town centre). There have been problems with the poles being removed which are normally used for the Christmas decorations. Also the removal of the pelican crossing which the Town Council asked should be retained.
There have been complaints about removal of trees and roses. The area in Cheap Side has never been properly maintained by Shropshire Council (see photos in previous link), and the Town Council are now trying to obtain responsibility over public areas in the Town to improve maintenance. I have contacted Shropshire Council to see if the flower beds can be moved.
Some have complained about the removal of the extra lane to turn right and narrowing the road. This is a deliberate attempt to slow traffic in and out of Victoria Road: in other words, to prioritise the safety of pedestrians. Traffic will slow, but it is anticipated that queues will not be substantial (in comparison to the traffic lights).
Overall though, in my opinion, the scheme is necessary, to regenerate and improve a Town centre which many agree looked run down. It is a plan long in the making, using CIL money from developers and NOT tax payers. I understand the objections of some residents, and sympathise with some of their points, however, as stated, overall it makes sense to invest money into the town centre.
Swimming Pool
There have been questions raised over the proposed swimming pool in Shifnal and the money raised towards that project. I have included a response from the previous Mayor of Shifnal, given at the Town’s annual meeting:
Manifesto Commitments
Although my social media posts have been less frequent, I have continued to deliver on my manifesto commitments since being elected.
I have included an image of the leaflets I delivered and I am pleased to say I have made good on most of my promises:
- Access to a recycling wheelie bin
- Voting against Shropshire Council’s housing plan
- Getting the police back into Shifnal
Shropshire Council have also approved additional funding for Highways, but as many will attest, we are yet to see tangible benefits.
Plans for the new doctors surgery have been published and scrutinised by the Town Council and I am confident we will see work beginning on that project very soon.
Contacting Shropshire Council
It is possible to contact Shropshire Council, quickly and easily through their website using this link https://www.shropshire.gov.uk/customer-services/how-to-contact-us/
There are a lot of questions answered on all departments, but also a contact form is available at https://shropshire.gov.uk/forms/contact-us?url=https://shropshire.gov.uk/customer-services/how-to-contact-us/
Similary if you wish to contact me directly you can either do it through this WordPress site or via email at ebirdshropshire@gmail.com
Edward Bird - Councillor for Shifnal South and Cosford 