Questions over North West Relief Road project after Lib Dems storm to victory in Shropshire Council elections
One of the leaders of the Liberal Democrats said the group need to talk to the Government and Shropshire Council officers to fully understand the present position of the North West Relief Road (NWRR) project.
The Lib Dems are now in control of the council after storming to victory in the local elections, gaining 41 of the 74 seats available.
When the Conservatives were in power, all of the opposition groups said they would scrap the controversial NWRR scheme should they gain control.
“We cannot afford to find £39 million that has already been spent on the NWRR for it,” said Councillor Roger Evans.
“We do not see how Shropshire Council can afford £130m extra that it’s going to cost. I’ve seen a recent report which also shows that inflation has not been fully put in to the present cost.”
The council has been near bankruptcy at times, frantically finding savings to keep it above water. Cllr Evans said the previous Conservative adminstration failed to deliver.
“In 2017, Shropshire Council had £175m cash in the bank, now they’ve got £20m,” he said.
“We will be looking at our capital and where we can invest it to get a return.”
Cllr Evans (Longden) currently co-leads the group alongside Heather Kidd (Chirbury & Worthen). Who will now solely run the Lib Dems will be decided by the elected councillors.
“It’s the way democracy should work,” said Cllr Evans.
“It’s not someone’s god-given right to lead, you represent the group and its people.”
Talking about the Lib Dems’ victory, Cllr Evans said: “We can now show the people of Shropshire what hard-working councillors can achieve, and when they listen to the residents, what they will benefit from.
“Looking nationally, and what’s happened in other areas, which the Liberal Democrats here have done, it shows what an MP and councillors can achieve by working together.
“No matter how they voted, we will be there for them and doing everything we possibly can to make their lives better.”
The main opposition party is Reform UK, who gained an impressive 17 seats. Cllr Evans said he didn’t see that coming.
“It was not apparent on the doorstep that their vote was anywhere near where it is,” said Cllr Evans.
“We have to ask our residents why, where is the vote coming from and how we can we satisfy their need.”
