Spotlight to fall on Shrewsbury's threatened services
The future of under-threat public services in Shrewsbury such as museums, leisure centres and libraries, will be the focus of Shrewsbury's annual town meeting.
Held by Shrewsbury Town Council at 7pm on Monday, the meeting is billed as a chance to gauge public feeling about the potential cost of keeping the closure-threatened facilities open.
A number of Shrewsbury services face having their budget cut to zero by Shropshire Council from April next year – if no agreement is reached on their future by September it is likely they will close.
The county authority is in discussions with Shrewsbury Town Council about the possibility of taking on the management and funding of the services, which include Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery, Shrewsbury Library, Coleham Pumping Station, Shrewsbury Sports Village, The Quarry Fitness and Swimming Centre, Meole Brace Golf Course, the Grange Youth Centre, and more,
Councillor Alan Mosley, leader of Shrewsbury Town Council, urged people to attend the meeting, which takes place at The Guildhall, Frankwell Quay, to make their feelings known.
He said: "The town council and its partners have much to be proud of following another year with many success stories, like our new services for young people.
"This meeting gives residents chances to have their say, give their advice and play their part in making further progress.
"It will be especially important to hear people's views on how we can best protect and promote our vital local services. The library, museums, visitor information centre, sports and recreation facilities, customer services centres, youth facilities, and more are all seriously threatened by cuts in Shropshire Council's budget.
"This represents the biggest challenge for us but also brings great opportunities for the town to save and develop what we have and become an even better place to live, work and visit. There will be some associated costs but I am confident that Shrewsbury residents share this vision for the town."
The meeting will also give members of the public a chance to ask questions on matters affecting the town, and learn about the work undertaken by councillors over the last 12 months.
