Officials red-faced after Shifnal meeting mix-up

Shropshire Council has now apologised after residents in Shifnal keen to air their views with county officials were 'stood up' after a mix-up over the time. Town councillor Kevin Turley said he was furious.

He said he was angry that people were told to turn up at 10am, only to find out that council officials thought the walk and talk was at 2pm.

Councillor Turley said people had rearranged work and other commitments to meet council representatives, only to be left standing in the street.

Shropshire Council notices were put up around the town asking residents to meet at Pinefields car park at 10am last Monday.

Officials were due to walk around eight roads to meet residents, including Barn Road, Botfield Road, Idsall Crescent, Curriers Lane, Orchard Road, Greenfields Crescent, Pinefields and Bluegate.

The notice asked people to get involved and help improve their neighbourhood.

Councillor Turley said: "I had to give up work to meet Shropshire Council.

"I'm just trying to work out if they are capable of organising a party in a brewery. They take enough from the people of Shifnal in council tax. They were going to wander round a few streets looking at things which need doing.

"People made the effort to turn out for 10am. When you hold something like this in the daytime you have to appreciate that people have to have time off work."

A spokesman for Shropshire Council said: "Unfortunately the wrong time was printed on the poster. Some people turned up at 10am. We apologised and they returned at 2pm for the walkabout."

Councillor Turley added: "If people do not share their concerns I am worried the council will think everything is rosy in Shifnal and change nothing."