Talks at last on plans for Allscott beet factory site

Talks have finally begun on the future of the former British Sugar factory site in Shropshire – five years after the building was closed and demolished.

The owners of the land, at Allscott, near Wellington, have held a series of meetings with borough and parish council chiefs and Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard to get ideas for the land, ahead of a public consultation starting in September.

Jacqui Seymour, Telford & Wrekin councillor for Wrockwardine, said she hoped the site would be used to bring jobs.

"In an initial briefing we were told that it would be a mixed use site," Councillor Seymour said.

"Something needs to be done with the site because we desperately need new employment in the area and hopefully this will boost that."

The Allscott sugar beet factory closed on February 2, 2007 after 80 years, with the loss of 100 jobs, although 3,000 more were affected.

Site owner British Sugar and developer Northern Trust met Wrockwardine Parish Council on July 5 and have also met transport bosses at Telford & Wrekin Council to discuss its future.

Martin Goldstraw, Wrockwardine parish council clerk, said it was a 'fishing exercise' to find out what local people wanted.

But he said the parish council was worried that if the site was given over to housing it would create a great deal of extra traffic on a country road.

"They assured us they were taking this into consideration and were consulting with traffic officers from Telford & Wrekin Council," he said.

Around 10 members of the public attended the meeting with Wrockwardine Parish Council and the site owners.

A spokesman for Northern Trust said: "These initial meetings have been useful in understanding the needs and concerns of the local community from the political perspective."

Northern Trust has set up a dedicated website for the development of the site, www.shawbirchroad.co.uk, which will provide updates on developments and consultation events.

The spokesman added: "We are keen to hear the views of the local community and will host a public consultation in September.

"We would encourage residents to log on to our website and register their details for further information."