Councillors in protest over Bishop's Castle biomass plant

COUNCILLORS IN a south Shropshire town have refused to sign a charter to work alongside Shropshire Council in protest at a decision to allow a £5 million biomass plant to be built in the town.

Members of Bishop's Castle Town Castle last night voted to rescind an earlier decision to sign the Shropshire Charter.

And they vowed not to sign it for at least six months until they are satisfied Shropshire Council will listen to their views on key issues.

The move has been made as a direct response to Shropshire Council's decision to sell land at Bishop's Castle Business Park to Bishop's Castle Biomass Power, despite huge public opposition.

It has led to claims that high-ranking unitary councillors do not care about the town and its surrounding area.

Councillor Jim Gaffney said by not signing it the town council would be putting the unitary authority "on probation" to prove it could fulfil the terms of the charter.

The Shropshire Charter outlines working arrangements and principles between Shirehall and town and parish councils.

Clauses in it include recognising town and parish councils as authorities with grassroots knowledge which can influence decisions and policy.

Councillor Gaffney said: "I think Shropshire Council has absolutely no intention of taking any notice of this charter."

Councillor Gwilym Butler, Shropshire Council cabinet member for partnership working, today said: "It is ultimately a decision for individual parish and town councils whether to sign up to the charter or not.

"All councils have to work through difficult issues and we have to work together, although there will always be occasions when we don't agree on issues.

"I hope we can continue working with Bishop's Castle Town Council in the future."

By Peter Kitchen