Plans drawn up to preserve Telford beauty spot

Telford & Wrekin Council has been working with organisations, groups and residents to draft a management plan that will protect and enhance Horsehay Pool.

In 2019 the council designated the green space as one of 200 Green Guarantee sites in the borough, protecting it from substantial development or alterations.

The pool is located within the Horsehay Conservation Area, a historical site of about 8.5 acres.

The public open space is owned and managed by the council in partnership with the Friends of Horsehay Pool and Environs group, and used mainly for recreation, dog walking and angling.

The draft management plan sets out the vision for protecting and improving the area.

Organisations and residents have been involved in the report, which sets out the history of the site, current usage and aspirations.

They are now keen to share this vision and hear what people think about the options for the future.

'Blessed'

Councillor Lee Carter, cabinet member responsible for neighbourhoods, said: “We are blessed with such wonderful and bio-diverse green spaces and parks, and our Green Guarantee scheme set out to protect these sites as part of our Telford 50 legacy.

“We also promised to look at ways to enhance each site.

"The draft management plan explains our vision for Horsehay Pool.

"There are lots of ideas and we’ll need to apply for grants to fund many of them, but we are keen to hear what people think about the options.”

Councillor Raj Mehta, a ward councillor for the area, said: “Horsehay Pool is a valued community space, great for fishing and a wonderful wildlife habitat.

"We must hold sight of the things that are important to people and wildlife as we move forward.

"There are lots of aspirations and I am excited to see the plan for its future develop.”

Residents can respond to the plans by January 14.

The council will then prepare a summary report of the results to inform the agreed Management Plan for Horsehay Pool, which it hopes to publish by summer 2021.

The village of Horsehay grew around the time of the ironworks, which were constructed by Abraham Darby II between 1754 and 1757.

The pool was created to power the steam engines for the works.

For more information, visit telford.gov.uk