Star comment: Public services never at more risk
Public sector services in Shropshire have never been at greater risk.
As the Government has tightened its purse strings, question marks have been raised about the future of libraries, leisure facilities, the arts and services in the caring sector, among others.
One area under strain is leisure, culture and library services, as councillors look to plug the gap left by a £61 million cut in its budget.
The public will be asked to help councillors to make the right choices when they are consulted about what should stay and what should go. And some communities will also be asked to take responsibility for services that were once under the direct control of civil servants. David Cameron's much-vaunted Big Society will either step up to the plate or some services will go to the wall.
Shewsbury Museum is one of the services facing hard times. The future of the museum has understandably attracted a lot of attention. It was opened after many delays at a cost of millions and immediately attracted controversy by making part of the museum paid for.
However, it has since become a popular and important attraction in Shrewsbury, hence the concern over its future. The council is facing some very tough decisions and, whether we like them or not, savings have to be made.
Happily, council leaders have shown that there is the political will to keep it afloat. There is the recognition that it is vitally important to the town and a sense that it ought to remain high on the list of priorities. While it is inevitable that some services will fall by the wayside, it seems our civic leaders are quite determined to ensure its long term survival.
Shrewsbury Town Council wants to work with the county's unitary authority to make sure the museum remains open. It is encouraging to see elected officials making decisions that will be in the best interests of the town and that also represent the will of the electorate.
Once leisure services are axed, it is exceptionally difficult to bring them back. Too frequently, they are gone forever.
It is therefore welcome to see the town council put forward what could turn out to be a lifeline. We hope all parties will sit down and discuss the options as saving the museum would constitute a victory at a time when many things are at risk.
