Schemes set to be run by trust

Some of Shrewsbury’s top leisure facilities could be put in the hands of a trust when the new unitary authority takes over, officials have said.

Flagship schemes such as the £10 million Sports Village in Sundorne, the £28 million Theatre Severn, under construction in Frankwell, and the proposed £12 million scheme at the Music Hall could all be released from public control under the move.

The Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre and the borough’s sports centres could also be included.

It had initially been thought that when the new unitary authority takes over control in Shropshire next April, a number of large capital schemes would be allocated to the new Shrewsbury Town Council to run.

But Councillor Peter Nutting, leader of Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council - which will cease to exist in 2009 - said a county-wide trust body is the favoured option.