Call to save Ellesmere beauty spot from builders

Ellesmere Town Council has made an Asset of Community Value nomination for the town's Swan Hill Depot site, which lies near to The Mere and is owned by Shropshire Council.

The council says it recognises the area is an important community asset and has called on individuals and organisations who use The Mere and nearby Cremorne Gardens to support its application.

If approved it will give the community an increased chance to save its much-loved area from development, the council said.

A statement said: "The town council has made the nomination in the belief that this is an important community asset which it needs to try and protect from development, in order to secure the future long-term delivery of community events at Cremorne Gardens and The Mere.

"It is extremely important that community organisations which organise and hold events in Cremorne Gardens or on The Mere indicate their support for this action and the effect that losing access to this site will have on the holding of future events.

"The site has been used for community purposes for a period exceeding 35 years. A significant part of the site has been used as a main public access point for Cremorne Gardens and The Mere as a safe pedestrian thoroughfare and controlled vehicular/parking area since that time."

Town councillors and residents have regularly objected to planning applications earmarked for near the area in a bid to protect The Mere, which attracts thousands of visitors each year.

These include current plans put forward by CMS JAW Ltd to build up to nine homes near to the cemetery at Swan Hill. In August, members of Shropshire Council's north planning committee refused planning permission for the homes. But CMS JAW Ltd has appealed against the council's decision and has now submitted an appeal.

Shropshire Council has received the Asset of Community Value application and is expected to make a decision on it by February 8.