'Don’t forget the workers behind Buildwas power station' - Your Letters, plus 1947 snow and an unexpected worker in a picture throwback

Mark the power station workers

Reading the article about Buildwas power station it occurred to me, is there any remembrance or gratitude to the men who were injured or died during the building?

I know of at least one Scottish worker who was nursed in the old RSI in Shrewsbury for months, his wife even moved and lodged at the Yorkshire house for months.

I feel these men should be remembered as much as a building.

Elaine Jones, Bicton

​Why invest in leisure centre?

Last September, Shropshire Council announced a financial emergency, and its leaders promised to do everything possible to avoid running out of money by April. 

Last month, it asked the government for a £71 million Exceptional Financial Support loan. 

The interim Chief Executive stated that Shropshire Council should only borrow what “we absolutely need”.

That is why I was surprised to hear that Shropshire Council now plans to spend over £29 million to redevelop Sundorne Sports Village in Shrewsbury, mostly funded through more borrowing. 

Councillors have been told that funding leisure services is not statutory, which led to funding being withdrawn from Cleobury Mortimer and Much Wenlock Leisure Centres. 

It’s hard to see how this project is justified, especially since the Cabinet member for Finance recently admitted “the council has no cash.”

While Shropshire Council may argue that the money for this new facility comes from the ‘capital budget,’ which includes income from selling assets, such as Bridgnorth’s Highways Depot and the former District Council offices, the truth is that most of it will be borrowed—and all Shropshire residents will end up repaying the debt.

What confuses me is how, at a time when funds for other areas are scarce and council leaders aim to scale back or withdraw services, there is yet another multi-million-pound development in Shrewsbury that everyone in Shropshire will ultimately pay for.

Name and address supplied

I find the flags really uplifting

Contrary to the views of Vicky Barnes, I find the UK flags uplifting and cannot see why any patriotic person should be upset by them.

I do not find them distracting when driving.

Long may they remain.

V Garner, Church Stretton

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