Future of hill under the spotlight

The future of Shropshire's landmark hill, including controversial plans for a huge opencast coal mine, will come under the spotlight at a public meeting.

People will also have the chance to debate whether a new visitor centre should be built at The Wrekin or whether it should be left as it is.

The open forum has been called by All Friends Round The Wrekin, a group of people who want to protect the hill for future generations. The meeting is at Wellington Civic Centre at 7pm on Wednesday.

Group chairman George Evans said: "There is a lot to discuss at the moment and we expect a big crowd.

"The lavatories at the main entrance have remained shut for many years - can we persuade, bully or shame Telford & Wrekin Council into reopening them?

"There is traffic congestion on busy weekends. Do we need more parking or fewer cars? Would shuttle buses from Wellington help?

"Do we want a visitor centre and if so, where - Forest Glen or Wellington? Should the Donkey Field be developed?

"Do we want opencast coal mining? Are we going to the public inquiry?"

Mr Evans said another issue was the huge archaeological and historic importance of the Iron Age hill fort at the summit of The Wrekin.