Market Drayton Town Council keen to take over library, markets and car parks

The town council is looking to take on the management of some of the area's biggest assets from Shropshire Council. As well as the library and car parks, they also include the Customer First point along with street and indoor markets.

Talks between the two authorities are said to be at an early stage.

Town councillors are due to discuss the proposal at a meeting tonight in Market Drayton Town Hall.

The unitary authority is looking to transfer some of its assets to town councils and other organisations as part of its bid to save more than £75 million in the next five years.

Town and parish councils and local groups have already agreed to take on some facilities in communities across the county.

Councillor Roger Hughes, Shropshire councillor for Market Drayton, said: "We are at an early stage yet and with the council's approval we will move on to discuss it further before it goes out to public consultation.

"We looked at the figures for the income of the car parks and cost of running the library.

"I think we will be happy for that to happen. It will be good for the town to run some of its own assets."

George Candler, Shropshire Council's director of commissioning, said: "Shropshire Council is in the early stages of discussions with Market Drayton Town Council about a number of assets.

"It reflects the wider local commissioning approach Shropshire Council has been undertaking for a number of years in other market towns, where opportunities are explored with a view to transferring the assets or service to local providers to run and manage.

"Before any final decision is made, consultation will be undertaken to seek the views of the public and the outcomes of this will help inform the final decision-making process."

Both Broseley Library and Albrighton Library will be taken on by local councils from February 27. Broseley Town Council and Albrighton Parish Council have both agreed to take on the customer service points in the libraries.

Meanwhile Ellesmere Library will move to the Meres Day Centre in the town later this year.

Community groups are being sought by Shropshire Council to ensure libraries at Bayston Hill, Cleobury Mortimer, Church Stretton, Gobowen, Much Wenlock, Pontesbury, Shawbury, Shifnal and Wem have a future.