Talks over new town council's assets list

Shrewsbury's new town council would retain vital assets such as the historic Quarry park and Victorian Pumping Station when it is created, if recommendations are approved.

Small parks and recreation grounds, community centres, closed churchyards and the right to hold markets would also go to the town authority if plans are approved, as part of the unitary authority plans.

However multi-million pound complexes such as the sports village and new theatre which is currently being built, in addition to Meole Brace Golf Club and Monkmoor Recreation Ground, would all go to the unitary authority, when it is formed.

The plans for Shrewsbury's new town council have been unveiled in a list of recommendations to Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council's cabinet tonight.

Councillors would need to support the plans, which require the final approval of the unitary's implementation executive before they would become a reality.

The list outlines what assets the town council should retain and what should be transferred to the unitary authority.

Councillor Peter Nutting, leader of the borough council, said: "I think we've tried to find a balance between what is affordable and what can be easily managed by the town council."

In addition to the Quarry and pumping station, the town council would also take on Abbey Foregate Station and 30 parks and recreation grounds in the town such as Springfield Recreational Ground, Abbey Gardens and the County Ground at Frankwell.

The town horticultural service would also transfer to the town council, and seven closed churchyards.

The ownership and operation of open cemeteries and the crematorium would go to the unitary authority, along with the livestock market and market hall which would be leased to the town council on a long peppercorn rent.

The town council would also be responsible for maintaining lights currently maintained by the borough council and Christmas lights, while it would also retain Ditherington and Castlefields community centres, the town warden and Harlescott warden. The town council is also recommended to take on maintenance of bus shelters, public toilets and allotments.

By John Kirk