Officials to size up town

major investigation is planned in south Shropshire's second biggest town to see if it can cope with new homes, nursing facilities and a higher population.People in Church Stretton are worried that existing services are under too much strain.

South Shropshire District Council has approved plans to build a £1 million nursing home at All Stretton and Church Stretton Town Council has supported a development of about 70 properties.

There are also outstanding planning consents for dozens more new properties.

People living in the area say that the pressure on health care, schools, roads, drains and other parts of the town's infrastructure is set to increase in coming months, as properties are built.

Today Graham Biggs, chief executive of South Shropshire District Council, said councillors in Church Stretton had requested information on infrastructure improvements.

He said Councillor Peter Relph had asked that a team of six officials look into the issue.

Discussions would take place with all town and parish clerks and independent consultants could also help out.

Mr Biggs said the review panel would look at health availability and see whether there were adequate doctor and nursing facilities, hospital services, dental provision and ambulance servi- ces.

It would also look into schooling, nurseries, social amenities, social housing, benefits and social security and sports and leisure facilities.

Experts would consider safety issues to see whether children were safe and whether the environment was well cared for.

They would also examine roads, rail and other transport links.

The surveys would look at all utilities including water, sewage, electricity, gas and waste.

Mr Biggs said: "The terms of reference for the review team are to review, evaluate, consider and report on the implications of population growth on the past, present and future health, welfare and safety infrastructure within the district's sphere of responsibility."