Shrewsbury Town Council formation to be considered

The formation of Shrewsbury Town Council will move a step closer when councillors consider its function and assets at a meeting next week.

Members of the Implementation Executive – which is made up of councillors from all six councils in Shropshire – will consider a report at its meeting on 9 July about the new town council.

The report lists the assets recommended to be transferred to Shrewsbury Town Council, along with details about the process of creating the town council.

Among the areas proposed to come under the remit of the new town council are the borough council’s horticultural service, along with The Quarry and community centres in Ditherington and Castlefields.

The report also recommends that the town council’s headquarters should be in the Guildhall rather than Rowley’s House. The report says that costs associated with the repair, alteration and ongoing maintenance of the building mean that Rowley’s House is not a viable home for the town council, particularly as there will be space available in the Guildhall.

Councillors will consider the detailed report at the Implementation Executive meeting on 9 July, when they will be asked to approve the functions and assets to be transferred to the town council, a staffing structure and a budget for the year 2009/10.

Councillors who worked on the Parishing of Shrewsbury project group said they were pleased with the report.

Councillor Peter Nutting said: “The proposed new town council for Shrewsbury offers the town a really great opportunity to have its own voice in the new Shropshire. It will be the largest town council in the country and look after a large proportion of the local services that really matter to people around the town.”

Councillor Alan Mosley said: “The new Shropshire Council, coupled with the new town council, is a great deal for Shrewsbury people. For the town we will have a council with important local functions, strong local decision-making, a sound structure and viable budget. I am delighted to have been part of its creation.”

Councillor Miles Kenny said: "We have put a lot of time into creating a modern town council with its own budget and responsibilties for very local things; we have even ensured the future of the mayoralty. The new town council will sit well with Shropshire Council and local joint committees, allowing residents much more say in their neighbourhood.”

2 July 2008