Letter: Shropshire Council record is appalling

'New Co' should read 'Joke Co'. As a former manufacturing director and professional working for blue chip companies in the private sector I am outraged at the thought of the council setting up a company to run services for profit.

The appalling track record of this council is there for all to see. The ill-conceived Theatre Severn losing £2,000 per day is top of the list.

Only Shropshire Council, in times of austerity, could give the go-ahead for a massive shopping centre expansion when half the current shops in the Pride Hill or Riverside malls are closed or to sanction £1.6 million plan to revamp the northern entrance to the town.

Keith Barrow stated that 'New Co' will give the council staff who transfer there more secure employment and career opportunities.

Having worked in the lean environment of profitable companies, over manning in council operations is plain to see. I recently saw two lorries and two crews emptying waste bins near the Shirehall, one driver and a mate taking full black plastic bags out and another driver and mate replacing them with empty black bags.

Dr A D France

Shrewsbury