Whitchurch town council insists civic centre talks will go on

Whitchurch Town Council has agreed to continue holding discussions with Shropshire Council following a behind-closed-doors meeting.

The town council is seeking to take on the freehold for the town's civic centre on High Street.

Councillors believe the future of the building would be better protected if it was under the control of the town council.

For a number of years the town council has leased the building from the unitary authority at a rent of £1 per annum.

But some concerns have been raised over whether the town council could afford to maintain the building if something seriously happened to it, and whether it would have to increase council tax to foot the bill for it.

Zoe Dean, acting town clerk of Whitchurch Town Council, said: "The council continues to talk to colleagues at Shropshire Council about a number of initiatives.

"Terms continue to be negotiated in relation to the offer of the freehold on the civic centre – we are confident that this could be a considerable asset for the benefit of the town."

Shropshire Council has invited town and parish councils in the county to consider taking over the management of services, which in Whitchurch include the library, two leisure centres, customer services and youth activities.

A working group has been set up by the town council to help it decide whether it can take over key services.

Councillors in Whitchurch have also considered collaborative working with other parish councils to see if they can take anything over together.

Ms Dean said: "Insofar as the discussions surrounding devolution of some Shropshire Council services to town council control is concerned, we are committed to act in the best interests of the town and its future needs, but would also seek public opinion before agreeing to the transfer of any such services, bearing in mind any financial implications for our residents.

"We are mindful that these discussions are taking place county-wide and are therefore continuing to work collaboratively with our neighbouring councils to ensure the best possible outcomes for Whitchurch."

The issues were discussed at an extraordinary meeting on Wednesday.