'Clear support' for council tax increase for graffiti and fly-tipping, insists leader amid 'significant cuts

Shrewsbury Town Council says it will be receiving less funding from Shropshire Council, and for that reason wants to charge residents more money to tackle issues including street cleanliness, safety and environmental upkeep.

The county council recently told the Shropshire Star it has “no planned reductions” to street cleaning activities.

However, Shrewsbury Town Council launched a public survey about local services on January 10 this year, and reviewed responses at a recent full council meeting around a fortnight later.

Alan Mosley, leader of Shrewsbury Town Council, said: “The results are overwhelming in providing clear support for the steps we are proposing to take to protect and enhance the appearance, cleanliness and safety, particularly in the face of very significant cuts being imposed by Shropshire Council. 

“It’s clear that Shrewsbury’s residents are passionate about preserving and improving their neighbourhoods, and we are committed to supporting the services they need. 

“Our budget proposals received the support of a good majority. It’s good to see that some 95 per cent want local people to make local decisions about what happens in Shrewsbury.”

Cleanliness was identified as an area for improvement in an open text poll, whilst over 50 per cent of responders also felt that the town is dirty, the town council said.

The survey highlighted areas of concern including the town centre, Pride Hill and Castle Foregate. Common problems identified were overflowing bins, litter and unswept pavements.

According to the town council, the survey showed 90 per cent of respondents backing cleaner streets, regular bin collections, and enhanced street scene services. Over 80 per cent of people also supported measures such as maintaining benches, tackling graffiti, and addressing fly-tipping.

Councillor Mosley, added: “It’s clear from the responses that our residents want more action on the environmental maintenance and the street scene in the centre and in neighbourhoods throughout the town, which we are committed to delivering. 

“We recognise the importance of these services to the quality of life in Shrewsbury and the role they play in shaping the town’s future. With this modest increase in council tax, we believe we can make a real difference and create a cleaner, greener, and safe town for everyone.”

A Shropshire Council spokesman said: “Shrewsbury Town Council have shown an interest in wanting to take on the emptying of waste bins and taking ownership of them. We have been receptive to enabling this initiative if they wish to progress.

“Shropshire Council is continuing to deliver street cleansing activities with no planned reductions.”