Attack on Shropshire Council over £85m savings

Shropshire Council's bid to save £85 million by 2015 is hitting ordinary people and town and parish councils across the county hard, a meeting heard.

The unitary authority came under fire from members of Ellesmere Town Council at their meeting last night, which was attended by Councillor Keith Barrow, the leader of Shropshire Council.

Members said Shirehall was too obsessed with saving money and devolving responsibility for many services and facilities to cash-strapped town and parish councils.

Councillor Barrow faced criticism at the meeting from members who said cuts and changes to services were hitting local people financially. It was recently revealed that the local authority needs to save £85 million by 2015.

Members said the increase was because of pressures such as inflation and higher energy costs.

Town councillor Brian Knight said: "I'm glad to hear you're saving money, but my concern is looking after people in Ellesmere.

"Local people can't afford to pay any more. Shops have had to close.

"The unitary council is passing on services, such as the public toilets."

Mr Barrow defended the changes made by Shropshire Council and warned things would be a lot worse if it hadn't changed to unitary.

He said: "Things are being devolved downwards. But who is better to look after the toilets in Ellesmere? I say the town council is.

"People around this table are far better making decisions in Ellesmere."

At last night's meeting Mr Barrow added that the priorities of the unitary council were to create jobs and improve the economy.

Councillor Peggy Carson, a member of Wem Town Council, today echoed the concerns expressed by Ellesmere town councillors.

She said Wem too had to take on its public toilets earlier this year after the town was threatened with their closure.

She said: "I agree with the Ellesmere town councillors because we are having all these services cut and they are expecting town councils to do it instead.

"They are just giving town council more and more to do and it's totally wrong."