Ironbridge Power Station sale provokes lively debate among Star readers
The sale of Ironbridge Power Station has prompted a lively debate among readers on shropshirestar.com. Here are a sample of the comments made:
Yahbut: "Public open space must include and preserve the wooded riverside frontage and include a much needed public right of way along the south bank of the river from the Ironbridge to Buildwas Bridge and the Abbey, as was called for by Telford and East Shropshire Ramblers and many other local walking groups.
"Also there is a need for an off road cycleway so that local children can visit friends in the scattered communities of the Gorge on both sides of the river. The unused bridge near Buildwas should be brought back into use for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. For too long this site has been a barrier between local communities."
Roger: "Infrastructure is the big issue of the re-use of this brown field site. The expensive part is the railway line, to introduce a metro service in Telford to not impact on the existing road system and provide connectivity to the south of Telford including things like the Iron Bridge Gorge museum.
"Technically the existing line runs only toward Wolverhampton so it is not ideal. However Telford Steam Society does have the use of the alternate line from Wellington to Iron Bridge that can pick the line to Buildwas.
"Connectivity with the town centre can then be via the Telford Station or even a tramway from Lawley to the bus station. Further extension of this line to Bridgnorth can then considered using light railway/tram vehicles on the old Severn Valley Route."
More:
Yorkman: "It is vital that this important site is developed sympathetically providing facilities for outdoor recreation as well as homes and jobs. I would hope and expect that the riverside frontage is preserved as open green space and include footpaths and cycleways to enable the site to connect to the wider paths networks.
"The plans when they are published must be subject to the widest public scrutiny and must not focus just on homes and businesses."
Woodhall: "Say goodbye to the World Heritage site. I never doubted they would build houses rather than create something worthwhile to add attractions and ease current traffic problems. I see the end of Ironbridge as we know it with presumably a 'Lawley Village' plan for re-housed people from other areas.
"Ironbridge will double in size and will probably be gridlocked."
Joanne Elizabeth Halstead: "I'd have like to have seen the site developed as a science and technology park as part of a world heritage site and the birthplace of the industrial revolution to tell the tale of the evolution of power."
Jon Edward: "They are knocking down a huge power station for homes and people complain about loss of green space. I'm sure new developments will be more environmentally sympathetic than a coal fired power station which is hardly attractive to look at."
Councillor urges caution over plans
A Shropshire councillor has urged quiet caution over the Ironbridge power station regeneration.
Councillor David Turner, who represents Much Wenlock, said the work could be fantastic for local employment, but warned it could cause problems with traffic.
“Developer Harworth have got considerable experience in their area, so that’s reassuring,” he said
“Over time, it is going to be to be a big investment in Shropshire. There will be some residential areas, but presumably some retail and other amenities too. If we can create a sustainable community there, that’s a benefit all around.”
Councillor Turner said that some issues may arise early in the planned work at the site.
“There’s an element of caution for the demolition and decontamination stages and the impact that it might have on neighbouring communities, in particular in terms of hauling waste. We know they’ve got a haul route, which I don’t think goes through Much Wenlock, but there could still be some.”
The best outcome for the people of Much Wenlock will be an increase in employment opportunities, Councillor Turner said.
“There may well be some demolition and construction jobs, and there may be more employment when the site is up and running,” he added.
“It would also be a positive if the traffic doesn’t get any heavier. There’s already conversations about traffic in the area, and clearly if that was to increase, or if there were more HGVs through the area, that would be a negative result.”
