Call for decision over Wem community space plan

Civic leaders in Wem have called on the unitary council to make a decision on controversial proposals to create a new community space in the town.

The scheme involving land at the lorry park between the Co-op and White Lion pub has been in the pipeline since about 2003 and a plan for the venture was submitted to Shropshire Council earlier this year.

It's claimed the project could give Wem a new venue for outdoor events such as car boot sales and farmers' markets.

Proposals have been met with mixed reaction from residents with some claiming it will help transform the town while others have raised fears shops on the High Street could close as a result.

Councillor Mandy Meakin, mayor of Wem, said there were mixed reactions to the plan.

She added: "I know members of the town council had Wem Economic Forum have supported the plans so we are just waiting now to here when they will be decided.

"My personal view is that the area needs regenerating. If people are coming that way into the town at the moment it is not very welcoming with bottle and recycling banks.

"A new community area will improve this area and improve the town. Hopefully it will be decided one way or the other soon."

Keith Jones, Shropshire Council's highways engineer, said: "We are currently discussing proposed improvements to Wem town square with the local members to ensure these are taken forward as appropriate."

Land has been purchased for the venture which has been paid for using council money from the sale of the former North Shropshire District Council housing stock.