Council warning to society in row over new Shrewsbury footpath plan

At its latest meeting Shrewsbury Town Council unanimously passed a motion expressing "dismay" at Shropshire Horticultural Society following a long running saga of proposals for improved access to the Dana Footpath.

Councillors wish to create a footpath through the Castle Gardens, cutting out the Dana Steps, which prove impassable for those in wheelchairs and difficult for those with pushchairs or bikes.

During the meeting several councillors accused the horticultural society, which owns the land, of obstructing the plan.

However, Ted Butcher, chairman of the society's land and buildings committee, rejected the claims and insisted they wanted to see the issue resolved.

The dispute centres on the proposed route.

Councillor Andrew Bannerman warned that the society was putting its reputation at risk.

He said: "I think it is ridiculous that this is still being blocked.

"I think it is appalling and this motion gives us the opportunity to put massive pressure on the horticultural society and say 'look, we do not want to fall out over this, we are partners in many things, but we will fall out and we will fall out seriously unless you concede this'."

Council leader Alan Mosley had put forward the motion, which was passed unanimously, and called for the horticultural society, Shropshire Council, and Shrewsbury Town Council to work together to find a solution.

He said: "There is a great deal of concern, and anger at times, that this has not been resolved."

Speaking after the meeting Mr Butcher said the councillors were wrong to suggest the society was against a new footpath, but that any route must be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which would not be possible with the council's proposal.

He also insisted that an alternative plan suggested by the society would have no impact on the gardens – unlike the council scheme.