Call for decision over Wem community space plan

Wednesday 20th October 2010, 8:00PM BST.

Call for decision over Wem community space plan

Civic leaders in Wem have called on the unitary council to make a decision on controversial proposals to create a new community space in the town.

The scheme involving land at the lorry park between the Co-op and White Lion pub has been in the pipeline since about 2003 and a plan for the venture was submitted to Shropshire Council earlier this year.

It’s claimed the project could give Wem a new venue for outdoor events such as car boot sales and farmers’ markets.

Proposals have been met with mixed reaction from residents with some claiming it will help transform the town while others have raised fears shops on the High Street could close as a result.

Councillor Mandy Meakin, mayor of Wem, said there were mixed reactions to the plan.

She added: “I know members of the town council had Wem Economic Forum have supported the plans so we are just waiting now to here when they will be decided.

“My personal view is that the area needs regenerating. If people are coming that way into the town at the moment it is not very welcoming with bottle and recycling banks.

“A new community area will improve this area and improve the town. Hopefully it will be decided one way or the other soon.”

Keith Jones, Shropshire Council’s highways engineer, said: “We are currently discussing proposed improvements to Wem town square with the local members to ensure these are taken forward as appropriate.”

Land has been purchased for the venture which has been paid for using council money from the sale of the former North Shropshire District Council housing stock.



Video News From ITN

TWITTER

Shropshire Star on Twitter Shropshire Star on Twitter

Keep updated with the latest breaking news and content on our Twitter feed.

Lifestyle

Interactive Dining Out map Interactive Dining Out map

Hundreds of reviews by the Shropshire Star and Express & Star's teams to help you decide where to eat.

Entertainment

All the film reviews All the film reviews

Before you plan a trip to the pictures, get our critics' verdicts on all the latest movie releases.

OUR NEW APP

Get the new Shropshire Star app Get the new Shropshire Star app

Download the Shropshire Star’s new app to your iPad or iPhone to get one week of access to our digital newspapers absolutely FREE.