Fixing Shrewsbury's flawed gyratory scheme 'not that simple' admits councillor
Now that a key report into what went wrong with the implementation of Shrewsbury’s ill-fated gyratory scheme has been published, the focus is now on what can be done to improve it.
However, the key councillors in charge say the issue is not as simple as it might seem.
On Wednesday (December 3), Councillor Ed Potter presented a report to Shropshire Council's cabinet highlighting the work his task and finish group had done in finding out what went wrong with the project.
In total, the task and finish group made 10 recommendations, which cabinet has agreed to.
They centre around safety and accessibility; safety and emergency services; the wider impacts; stakeholder engagement; governance and oversight; financial management; active travel and connectivity; data monitoring; learning and culture; and strategic partnership arrangements.
“I went into this thinking we could rip it all up and go back to what it was,” said Councillor Potter, who chaired the task and finish group.
“[But] understanding the financial implications is quite a scary prospect for the local authority. Therefore, I think we need to be having conversations with the MHCLG [Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government] post the safety review to see what can be done may be the solution.
“I know that will take time, but it’s quite a complex situation. It’s always nice to attract money into Shropshire, but when we apply for funding, we have to ensure what is delivered is fit for purpose, rather than chasing the pound signs.”
