Shropshire's local committees still have a future

Councillor Gwilym Butler, the authority's portfolio holder for leisure, libraries and culture, said the committees will become "need driven" in the future.

Speaking at a meeting of Ellesmere Area LJC, he said the number of meetings a year could vary while some LJC meetings could merge depending on the issues discussed.

The meeting, which usually attracts a significant number of interested residents, was only attended by 12 people - one of which was a member of the public.

Shropshire Council has more than 20 LJCs which meet three times a year and invite residents to discuss any issues relating to their communities.

Local groups and organisations were also invited to apply for a share of funding to help pay for community projects.

But funding budgets for LJCs were lost from April as part of Shropshire Council's budgetary cuts.

Councillor Butler said: "A unanimous decision has been made that we wanted to maintain working together with town and parish councils.

"In the future they are going to be need driven – driven by the need of the community.

"These could include issues such as pylons, fracking, education, health.

"There may be four or five meetings a year if they are needed.

"If there are issues affecting more than one area then the LJCs could have a joint meeting. Think of the costs it could save.

"Shropshire Council won't have one size fits all. Those days are gone. Issues that may be relevant in Ellesmere might be totally different to those in Bishop's Castle.

"If we can save money we will spend it in ways to help people change their lives.

"There is a big difference between wants and needs.

"If we want communities to be sustainable then it is about partnership working."

Committee members felt the fact that funding is not currently available from the LJC was a reason for the poor turnout at Tuesday's (JUNE 17) meeting.

At the meeting a statement on behalf of Welshampton Parish Council was read out.

The council thanked the Ellesmere Area LJC for previously helping fund new curtains and a new boiler for the parish hall.

The council also wished to raise some concerns about the amount of new housing which could be built in the area.

Meanwhile, Ann Hartley, Shropshire Councillor for Ellesmere, was elected as the new chairman of the LJC. Steve Davenport, Shropshire councillor for St Martins, was elected vice-chairman.