Copthorn, Longden, Radbrook, Bow Brook and Loton news

HIGH COST OF NORTH WEST
RELIEF ROAD?

Where the proposed North West Relief Road would cross the River Severn

Final decisions will soon be taken on the future of Shrewsbury’s North West Relief Road. Shropshire Council must assess the value of this road plan, which will cost Shropshire tax payers a minimum of £17 million.

But did you also know that even before COVID-19, and without building the NWRR, Tory Councillor Peter Nutting outlined that in 2021-22 the Council will be short by £37 million?

Or that drastic and unprecedented cuts to services will be needed to deal with this situation, with adult social care and children’s services particularly at risk?

Or that bearing in mind that big infrastructure projects go routinely over-budget, Shropshire Council will have to bear all and any increase in the cost of the NWRR project ?

And did you know that modelling studies prove the NWRR won’t even relieve congestion in Shrewsbury?

Finally, do you feel building new roads is compatible with Shropshire Council’s declaration of climate emergency? We are interested to hear your views!

Ian Matthews

LOCAL LABOUR

KEVIN DOVASTON will be Labour candidate for Radbrook in the local elections in May 2021 – look out for a full profile in our next newsletter.

SUPPORTING FAMILIES Labour is supporting the many families who have coped with home-schooling, and now face money worries and fears of unemployment.

HELPING FOOD BANKS Labour members have been volunteering at local Food Banks, who are under unprecedented pressure due to the pandemic and ten years of austerity.

SUPPORTING YOUNG PEOPLE The pandemic has affected young people severely, with the bulk of job losses falling on the under 30s. We need investment and training for the young.

CLEAN AIR FOR KIDS! Air pollution is a risk factor in COVID-19. We all need to switch off our engines when waiting near school gates this autumn!

Invest for better schools

After a decade of austerity and government cuts to local councils, our schools are in a precarious state.

New housing developments mean pressure on school places. Shropshire Council has reportedly admitted that local primary schools are all at capacity and that although it wants to build a new school in Bowbrook, it is looking for organisations to run it as a ‘free school’ instead of being run by the local education authority.

Secondary schools are again heavily oversubscribed this year.

The government must build, equip and fund our schools for the future. Julia Williams

Keep in touch!

Shay Corrigan, Labour candidate for Bowbrook

During lockdown I really enjoyed supporting elderly and vulnerable people within the Gains Park community. It was amazing to see so many people coming forward to help.

I want Bowbrook ward to get a fair share of funding in Shrewsbury, and economic regeneration of the Pensfold shopping area.

My main focus now is to help fight food poverty in the ward. I’m currently trying to secure funding to hold regular coffee mornings for residents to share concerns and host Food Share tables.

shay.corrigan@shrewsburylabour.org.uk 07932 617731

A high-risk gamble?

Disastrous use of public money by Shropshire Council leads to calls for scrutiny

In 2018 Pride Hill, Darwin, and Riverside town shopping centres were purchased as an investment by Shropshire Council for £51 million.

In July 2020 the Council’s accounts reveal the value of the centres has now fallen to £17.5 million. To add insult to injury, the assets are held in an offshore trust – Jersey Property Unit Trusts.

MPs will examine whether local government officials have the commercial skills required for such transactions.