£1m revamp bid for leisure boost in Shrewsbury

The town council’s Finance and General Purposes Committee has agreed to put forward a £1.3m proposal to the full council for cash to be released for work on footpaths, walkways and BMX tracks, new artificial pitches, renovations to the pavilion at the county ground, a comprehensive lighting scheme around the town, updating three community centres and upgrading play areas.

The lower toilets at The Quarry would be refurbished and works to the Castle Walk grounds and Dana footpath completed.

Additional funding would made available to improve decor, signage and cleaning at other public toilets.

Alan Mosley, committee chairman and leader of the town council, told the meeting: “This budget shows the council’s commitment to making significant progress in improving services, facilities, the environment and well-being of Shrewsbury residents and so make it an even better place to live, work and to visit. If adopted we will have a budget to be proud of and set the scene for further great progress in future.

“We are putting the council tax precept, our reserves and neighbourhood funds to great effect and virtually every part of the town will see significant benefits.

"These proposals are the result of an unprecedented round of consultation which has seen the vast majority of members suggesting development priorities both for the town and their own wards.”

Investment

He added: “These have been evaluated and, along with outstanding matters, put forward by officers and assembled into the programme which will see an additional £1.3m invested by our council.

“Some are one-offs but some are generic developments with spending allocated but needing further work and prioritising.

"We are highly committed to continuing to provide high quality youth services even though Shropshire Council has now withdrawn all of its previous funding.”

He said the town council would continue to play a leading role in the Big Town Plan initiative and would join Shropshire Council and BID in committing £50k each to the appointment of a co-ordinator and pump-priming schemes.

The council is also proposing a slight increase to its share of the council tax bill. Councillor Mosley added: “Given our commitments and value for money it seems reasonable to make a small increase in the amount we ask council tax payers to pay.”

The proposals will now be considered by the full council on Monday.