No.

Subject

Question

Referred to

Response

1

Access

Many blind people will not go out on their own - pavement furniture. Also noise in narrow streets and bypasses.

SCC/Eddie McGrath

Comments forwarded to Mr Rob Surl, Shropshire County Council.

2

Activities for children

Promotion of activities for children and produce central leaflet which says this is what is going on and let kids know what activities take place every month.

Alan Wallin

A Comprehensive programme of forthcoming Leisure activities is published on an annual basis 'Leisure Activities Programme' available from the Quarry Swimming and Fitness Centre, all Sports Centres and other appropriate outlets.

3

Activities for children

As above.

Anne Whitfield

(Response continued...) In addition, other kids activities across the Council include Music Hall, Museums, Arts, Community Development, Countryside Unit - and an annual brochure produced by Shrewsbury Tourism which lists all summer activities and attractions for kids. Activities for 14 - 18 year olds are also a feature of both Music Hall and Museums programmes.

4

Bus Services

Bus Services - Need for increased evening services for those using the evening economy.

SCC/Eddie McGrath

Comments forwarded to Mr Rob Surl, Shropshire County Council.

5

Bus Services

I am a student at Radbrook College and have to catch a bus into the town centre, but the buses are always full with school children. About three buses go past me full of school children. I have complained before to the bus company and they say they will get a bigger bus for my college but it never happens.

SCC/Eddie McGrath

This Council has no direct jurisdiction over bus services, other than Park and Ride, but I have passed your comments to Mr Tim Wasling, Shropshire County Council, so that he may raise them with Arriva.

6

Bus Services

Buses through Shrewsbury are a disaster. 3 point delivery plan.

SCC/Eddie McGrath

Comments forwarded to Mr Rob Surl, Shropshire County Council.

7

Bus Services

Buses should not use High Street. This is blocking up the town centre.

SCC/Eddie McGrath

Comments forwarded to Mr Rob Surl, Shropshire County Council.

8

Buses

Bus Station - buses are breaking down, not maintaining the required standard. Should not be discussed by the County Council. Exhaust fumes are not acceptable, buses are not reliable. We had a bus station! Only stand A does not get the fumes. Health & Safety issue. Cannot stop the buses, they would not start again!

SCC/Eddie McGrath

Comments forwarded to Mr Rob Surl, Shropshire County Council.

9

Car Parking

Car Parking - Diverting from the town towards inside the town centre. Please improve car parking in town.

SCC/Eddie McGrath

I am not entirely clear as to the point you wish to make, so if you wish to telephone to discuss the matter I will be pleased to try to assist. The Council is trying to improve parking within the Town Centre, and the new St Austin's Street surface car park will open next week. Most of the year supply of spaces exceeds demand, so perhaps your comments relate to car park locations or on-street parking. Either way, I will be happy to discuss the matter.

10

Council communication

Council communication could be improved. How can you know you are getting the truth? NB Council offices tender too late by the time the truth emerged.

Robin Hooper

The Council decided not to issue formal communication sheets to the public although the question was put to Members to consider.

11

Cycleways

Cyclists on pavements even if there's a cycle way but cyclists need to be given a chance!

SCC/Eddie McGrath

Comments forwarded to Mr Rob Surl, Shropshire County Council.

12

Dog fouling

More enforcement of laws on dog-fouling

David Wraith

The Dog Warden patrols at weekends during the winter months specifically to deal with dog fouling. To date it has not been necessary to issue fixed penalty notices or institute legal proceedings as dog owners found in contravention of the legislation cooperated by cleaning up the faeces left by their dog when asked by the Dog Warden. Patrols will be increased to evenings in the summer months, assuming budget provision is maintained.

13

Flooding

Effect of flooding on access to the new theatre - especially Welsh Bridge, English Bridge, Chester St & Castle Gates - Is it true the Frankwell defences not yet reached bedrock? - Has the route of floodwater to Frankwell been ascertained? - English Bridge-how will flooding be stopped here? - Will works at Welsh Bridge and upstream make English Bridge flooding worse? - How will Chester Street be protected?

Peter Jarratt

Email also received on same subject - see below.

14

Flooding

Effects of flooding on access roads to new theatre. At present car and bus access to the proposed new theatre site is seriously disrupted by flooding at (a) the Welsh Bridge (b) the English Bridge (c) Chester St and (d) Castle Gates. Welsh Bridge:(1) Is it true that the new flood defences for Frankwell have not reached bed-rock? (2) Has any scientific investigation been carried out to ascertain by what route flood water reaches Frankwell? English Bridge: (1) How will flooding be stopped here? (2) Will the work at the Welsh Bridge and up-river make English Bridge flooding worse? Chester Street & Castle Gates: How will these streets be protected from flooding?

Peter Jarratt

You are correct to state that at times of serious flooding, access to the proposed theatre site at Raven Meadows is seriously disrupted. Should the Borough Council proceed with a new theatre at Raven Meadows, there are a number of planning issues that will need to be resolved including those relating to flooding. The Environment Agency has provided advice to the Council's consultants and the Agency would respond to any consultation should a planning application be submitted at some time in the future.

You also raised the question of whether the new flood defences for Frankwell have reached deadlock and whether any scientific investigation has been carried out to ascertain by what route floodwater reaches Frankwell. The Environment Agency have been responsible for the design and construction of the Frankwell flood defences and I have passed a copy of your email and this response to Peter May, Environment Agency, Hafren House, Welshpool Road, Shrewsbury.

15

You also asked the question about how the English Bridge, Chester Street and Castle Gates would be protected from the flooding and whether work at the Welsh Bridge and up river would make the English Bridge flooding worse. These are all matters that have been investigated by the Environment Agency and again I will invite Peter May to respond on these issues.

In planning terms we have a policy which resists further development in flood plains. We are working closely with the Environment Agency in trying to avoid any new development which would increase the risk from flooding. You may have read this week that we refused planning permission for new residential development in Chester Street because of the risk to future occupiers (basically the site can flood to a depth of about 1.5m at times).

I am unsure as to whether or not you have a particular development in mind or your query was general. If you want to discuss any particular proposal please let me know.

17

Fly tipping

Since introduction of permits at the 'tip' introduced by SCC in March Fly Tipping has increased by 50% figure from John Diggory SABC. What are you going to do?

Derek Caddy

Mayrise computer system used by the department does not identify an increase. The figures quoted cannot be quantified. The system in future will record and quantify figures on flytipping.

18

Fly tipping

Since permits from SCC in March, fly tipping increased by 50%. This is collected by SABC. What are the SABC doing about this? A) Increase John Diggory's budget B) Complain to the SCC.

Derek Caddy

Mayrise computer system used by the department does not identify an increase. The figures quoted cannot be quantified. The system in future will record and quantify figures on flytipping.

19

Fly tipping

What are we going to do about the increase in fly tipping? Where are the prosecutions? Where are the extra staff?

Derek Caddy

Mayrise computer system used by the department does not identify an increase. The figures quoted cannot be quantified. The system in future will record and quantify figures on flytipping. During the last 12 months we have served 11 fixed penalty litter notices. We use a hit crew to clean up reported fly tips and problem litter areas.

In respect of your comments regarding free access for OAP's to Public Transport, the Council already provides either tokens, or cards which give half-price travel. This concession is funded through Council Tax collections (unlike Wales, where is is funded through the Assembly) and the additional costs would have to be found by increasing Council Tax. Funding it through the income received from the transfer of Housing would only be a short-term answer, and would mean that the money would not be available for community schemes. That notwithstanding, your comments are noted and will be taken into account at the appropriate time.

21

General

Can Councillors stand at the end so that the audience knows who they are!

Robin Hooper

Councillors were asked to stand and introduce themselves at the end.

22

Grounds Maintenance

Grounds maintenance. Need to have experts in arboriculture if they are to maintain our Council trees and green spaces, is this going to be considered in the future?

Derek Caddy

We have many years of Grounds Maintenance and Arboricultural experience in our department. As part of the best value review an additional full time Arboricultural Officer was identified. However as the time of the review this was not approved, SABC Planning and Conservation received this officer on a part time basis.

23

Heritage

Shrewsbury needs to develop a unique selling point based on heritage, cultural archaeological based tourism. Arts should be tied in with heritage. Need to redefine our tourism strategy. Need a strategy for improvements of the town. The Square should remain as a focus for the town.

David Griffiths

We will be carrying out a review of our Tourism Strategy next year and hope to complete a Town Centre Strategy by Spring 2003 which should outline where improvements can be made.

24

Historic Shrewsbury

The Historic Environment - Need to keep some open space, not fill in all spare space - within the River loop. Success of Shrewsbury as a Historic Town is an issue. River should be enhanced in a positive way - not just an economic resource. Areas of the town that are green should be kept green. Don't make the river just a canal! Need an overall strategy for Shrewsbury!

Geoff Harrison

You will be aware that the whole of the river loop lies within the Shrewsbury Town Centre Conservation Area and that the Council has a duty to preserve and enhance such areas. Moreover, the Council has undertaken more fine grain work on Conservation Area Character Assessments within the loop which have attempted to highlight the special characteristics of the historic built environment.

Within the context of the local plan, there are also protective policies relating to the river loop with considerable areas designated as green space under policy LNC4. Unless you can advise of any particular sites, I am not aware of any areas of green space within the loop that have been lost to develop or have been compromised. Indeed, the Quarry Heritage Project should involve a considerable enhancement to the area.

25

In terms of the river, you will be aware that the Council are funding up to £150,000 towards a river strategy in conjunction with the River Users Group and that the use of the river is being addressed in the context of the emerging Town Centre Strategy which will be the subject of a consultation exercise before Christmas.

I note your concern over the impact of the Dunedin development proposals on the west end of town. As stated at the meeting, the proposals will be considered very carefully from a variety of aspects and this will include the potential impact on existing retail space in the town. A retail study of the town will be carried out next year and this should help in the determination of retail proposals such as this.

On other matters you raised we will be carrying out a review of our Tourism Strategy next year and hope to complete a Town Centre Strategy by Spring 2003 which should outline where improvements can be made.

27

Improve Public Transport

Improve public transport, better access for everyone to encourage people to use public transport rather than lots of cars in Shrewsbury.

SCC/Eddie McGrath

There is little point in me telling you what the Borough are doing, as you know that probably better than I do, in terms of bus facilities and Park and Ride. I think there is a general acceptance of the need for good public transport services, which will be further underlined by the Borough's Travel Plan which is to be discussed at Cabinet next week. Equally there is pressure for parking in or close to the Town Centre, but congestion and pollution are issues. I think we are striving to maintain a sensible balance overall, but your comments are certainly noted.

28

Introduction by Leader of the Council

Leader of the Council - Use of phrases such as 'Pen pushers' offensive to the public and staff

Robin Hooper

Leader wishes to reduce management and administrative costs to save money.

29

Litter

Litter - raised walkways behind Wilkinsons - whose responsibility? Can Council workers report back to 'Base' that there are unclaimed areas where rubbish is allowed to accumulate.

Derek Caddy

The areas of walkway to the rear of Wilkinsons is the responsibility of Pride Hill Centre. Officers have contacted the Centre identifying this problem. Operatives do report back to bas problem litter hot spot areas.

30

Litter

Litter - Sundorne - bottles/cans - teenagers congregating on Green.

Derek Caddy

The issues identified with teenagers congregating around Albert Square has been referred to Severnside Housing. Litter problems are being monitored.

31

Litter bins

In spite of 3 years of repeated requests for litter bins in the Sutton Park area i.e. the walk ways from Montague Place over the railway and the pedestrian tunnel to Reabrook; are still a disgrace. So much for our listening Council??

Derek Caddy

A litter bin survey is currently being undertaken to ascertain the exact location and condition of litter bins throughout the borough. Once this is complete a decision will be made on relocating or the installation of new bins.

32

Local initiatives

How can residents/general public be encouraged to become involved in local initiatives? Bringing people in from outside. Build on the work by SPARKS in Harlescott.

Robin Hooper

Through publicity, engaging local people by the Community Development Team which does take place and the recently appointed Neighbourhood Warden talking to and engaging with the public. By local Councillors engaging with their electorate.

33

New Council offices

Council offices - Given the public disquiet about the decisions relating to the Council's new offices in Frankwell, what steps, if any, has SABC taken to ensure that Council tax payers have a full opportunity to be heard in any ongoing inquiry into these matters? If not, why not?

Robin Hooper

Public meeting on 2/12/02 following publicised Overview and Scrutiny meetings, at which public attended.

34

New Council offices

How and when were the public consulted about the new council offices?

Robin Hooper

The planning application was subject to consultation. There were many articles in the press. It was an issue at previous Shrewsbury Conferences and in Council's policy documents and was a policy to achieve that for 70 years.

35

New Council offices

Frankwell - objection to how development was contracted out. Should not be accepted, people still had to fight the issue. What about traffic in Frankwell? Offices should be up and running for other people not SABC. Theatre should have been on Frankwell, lots of car parking.

Robin Hooper

The new offices have 60 car parking spaces which will be in addition to Frankwell Car Park. If the car park is fully used then that is what was intended when it was built prior to the offices. The Council is looking as car usage. Theatre would be about 6/7 storeys which the public may consider to be too high for Frankwell.

I refer to the question you raised at the Conference asking whether there is a coherent plan for all the new developments being programmed. In land use planning terms the adopted Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Local Plan sets out land use policies for controlling development within the Borough.

In addition to this the Council has a corporate plan and produces an annual Performance and Improvement Plan setting out some of the main activities and tasks that it wishes to achieve in the following financial year.

37

North West Relief Road

North West Relief Road - This comes to a dead-end and diverts heavy vehicles through rural areas. Loss of Wildlife on Ellesmere Road, Baschurch Road. North West Relief completed would improve the situation: Campaign needed. Improved access to housing and jobs.

Geoff Harrison

You may not be aware, but Shropshire County Council commissioned traffic consultants Parkman earlier in the year to progress the North West Relief Road and the Borough Council are involved in the project in terms of a watching brief. Considerable work has already been undertaken on various aspects of the road scheme involving traffic modelling, environmental appraisals, non car options etc. This work has concluded that there is merit in pursuing the scheme to the next phase which will involve more detailed work in drawing up route options.

It is anticipated that a public consultation process will take place early in the new year to canvas views on whether the scheme should be progressed and I would envisage this to be of particular interest to constituents within your ward/parish. Clearly, the final decision on whether to progress the scheme will rest with the County Council has Highways Authority.

38

Park and Ride

Park and Ride is not effective for families and mothers with young children.

SCC/Eddie McGrath

I am not sure what the specific problem is you are referring to - "Park and Ride is not effective for families and mothers with young children" - but if you would like to telephone me we can discuss the matter. We would certainly wish to make the service more attractive if we can.

39

Parking outside town

More parking outside of town with promotion and encouragement for people to use Park and Ride.

SCC/Eddie McGrath

The Council is actively looking at/discussing some of the issues you refer to, although this does not include charging for entering the Town Centre, and we are trying to maintain a sensible balance between Park and Ride, Town Centre Parking (and charges), and looking also at parking outside the river loop. The results of these discussions will determine the direction of Council policy on the issues in future years, but as with everything in respect of car parking, there is a wide spectrum of views to consider.

40

Planning

Interested in the total planning of Shrewsbury - what is the policy behind the passing of planning applications? How is the public involved?

Peter Jarratt

a) What is the policy behind passing of planning applications? This is a rather wide question. However the Government sets out, in planning guidance notes advice on the planning parameters (for instance Council should seek 60% of new housing on previously developed land and so on). Government Policy and advice is incorporated into planning policies which go into the Development Plan. This involves a County Structure Plan which sets out rather general policies and the Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Local Plan. This latter document sets out in considerable detail the planning policies against which planning applications are determined (for instance where we will allow barns to be converted into residential use). Local Plans are reviewed regularly and updated to take account of changing government policies and changed circumstances.

41

b) How is the public involved? In the local plan process the views of the public are actively sought through several stages in the process. We notify people through post offices and press adverts of how and where they can comment (indeed we received over 2000 representations from the public during the last local plan adoption). On planning applications we notify adjoining neighbours by letter of a development proposal. In addition we produce weekly lists of current planning applications which go to Parish Councils and libraries (also soon to be available on the Council's website). For larger applications or those involving listed buildings we also have a site notice put up and a press notice in the local newspaper.

42

Public Toilets

Public Toilets - The inadequacy of public toilets in and around the centre of Shrewsbury is a serious constraint on providing visitors with civilised services. Some toilets have closed 1.Chester St/Smithfield Rd 2. Frankwell. Some have very restrictive hours 1. The Quarry (this is closed in evenings) 2. Abbey Foregate. Some are inaccessible to many 1.Bear steps. All need TIMED SIGNING to save us from being caught short.

Derek Caddy

The Community Services Dept is responsible for cleaning of public toilets but not for the provision of the facilities themselves or the maintenance of them or their fittings. We would agree that good external signage is an essential part of proper service provision, and we would be pleased to contribute to any such initiative. We suggest that this item be forwarded to Engineering for their response, and in the meantime we will put together some thoughts on how such information might be provided.

43

Roads

1) Bus down Crowmere Road a must. 2) Remove bollards of Crowmere Rd, replace with dips like Town Walls. 3) Mini roundabout at Monkmoor Ave and Racecourse Rd on Monkmoor Rd. 4) Lights that are on all day and off at night should be checked. Friar Meadow, Crowmere Rd underpass. 5) Cleaning roads, could the Council tell Severnside Assoc. when they come down Crowmere Rd, so that they can give them a slip to be invoiced for Putters Way, Flagwall etc 6) The flowerbeds are a disgrace.

SCC/Eddie McGrath

Many of the issues relate to traffic management which is a County Council function, and I have copied your comments to them. I have passed your comments on the flowerbeds to our Parks Department for action, and your comments on Putters Way to Severnside.

44

Sale of Guildhall

Sale of Guildhall - why do the Council need to sell it? What about a museum?

Robin Hooper

The building would not be suitable for a modern museum. The Council's policy was to sell it.

45

Shrewsbury v Telford

Shrewsbury v Telford - Currently it is more attractive and should not try to compete as simply a shopping centre. Need to preserve pattern of shops in the town. Generally need to preserve the town.

David Griffiths

I share your views on the Shrewsbury v Telford debate and the fact that our town offers a more varied and attractive 'product' than Telford. Independent shops certainly play an important part in this difference and if the NCP car park is developed at Wyle Cop then the impact on this sector would need to be carefully assessed.

46

Special car parking

Specially labelled car parking for disabled people especially on-street parking for elderly/disabled.

SCC/Eddie McGrath

Comments forwarded to Mr Rob Surl, Shropshire County Council.

47

Street traders

Control of street traders on Pride Hill - accosted in walking

Philip Lloyd-Williams

The bylaws staff, when on duty check whether street traders have a valid peddlers certificate and whether they are operating within the law. If not, they are asked to move on. The Council has no power of arrest or powers to ask for names and addresses. If the street sellers fail to move on, assistance is requested from the police. The government if reviewing the law relating to street traders and is exploring the possibility of licensing them. Changes in the law are awaited.

48

Town safety

At certain times the town is unsafe so people don't use the shops and facilities. How can it be managed to help everyone use is safely?

Andy Goldsmith

Response sent 6 December 2002 advising on the role of the Community safety partnership and the initiatives in the town centre to make it safer, including Retail Security Group, Pubwatch, CCTV and we don't buy crime.

49

Traffic

Traffic - more parking should be provided outside the river loop - commit funds to make Park & Ride cheaper and extend it, introduce charge for entering the town centre. More expensive to park in town centre.

SCC/Eddie McGrath

The Council is actively looking at/discussing some of the issues you refer to, although this does not include charging for entering the Town Centre, and we are trying to maintain a sensible balance between Park and Ride, Town Centre Parking (and charges), and looking also at parking outside the river loop. The results of these discussions will determine the direction of Council policy on the issues in future years, but as with everything in respect of car parking, there is a wide spectrum of views to consider.

50

Traffic

Most of the congestion, particularly on Smithfield Road - appears to be caused by poorly calibrated traffic lights. The whole system needs to be looked at in order to maximise the flow of traffic - when the traffic lights are disabled by the floods - for up to a week after the water has gone - the traffic flows unhindered and it takes about 5 minutes to get from Coton Hill to Welsh Bridge as opposed to the 25-30 minutes it takes at the moment at peak times.

SCC/Eddie McGrath

As the Council no longer operates the Highway Agency, I have passed your comments onto the Divisional Surveyor, Shropshire County Council, Longden Road, Shrewsbury, for his attention.

51

Traffic

What steps if any are being taken to move traffic from old by-pass to new by-pass

SCC/Eddie McGrath

Comments forwarded to Mr Rob Surl, Shropshire County Council.

52

Traffic Policy

(Interest in home zones) Does the Borough have a comprehensive traffic policy? Which body, County or Borough has responsibility for what?

SCC/Eddie McGrath

Comments forwarded to Mr Rob Surl, Shropshire County Council.

53

Traffic through town

Traffic through town - Too much traffic through town. Why is centre of town used as 'rat-run', or allowed to be so used? What is the Borough's view? Limit traffic up Wyle Cop? Congestion charging? - change cans to go into town/link congestion charging to free parking! - what is the Borough's view? Spend some of the £57 million on NW Relief Road.

SCC/Eddie McGrath

Comments forwarded to Mr Rob Surl, Shropshire County Council.

54

Trail bikes facility

Why can't we have a facility for riding trail bikes?

Alan Wallin

I am assuming that your question refers to moto cross facility i.e. motorised trail bike riding as opposed to mountain bike riding, and on that basis advise the following.

A working group, consisting of representatives of this Council, Telford and Wrekin Council, the Youth Service and interested members/competitors within the local Moto Cross fraternity, has been in existence since July of this year.

The working group, under the chairmanship of Councillor Eileen Sandford, has met on a number of occasions and continues to strive towards its overriding objective of securing permanent access to suitable land for the provision of youth instruction, general training and moto cross competition.

I would further advise that Borough Council presence, both officer and elected member, is on the basis of facilitator and not potential operators/managers of any facility that may eventually emerge.

55

West End

Concern regarding West End and its future. Negative response to car parking. Impact of Tesco on Town Centre trade.

David Griffiths

I note your concern over the west end and its future and you are aware of the regeneration proposals currently progressing which over a period of time we all expect will improve the area. You are also aware of the independent public enquiry over the Tesco's application and the outcome which will be dependent on the Inspector's assessment of the likely impact this will have on the town centre.

56

Youth clubs

14-18 year olds - lots done for under fourteens, need to help those older than 14. More youth clubs etc.

Alan Wallin

Emerging delivery of the Capital programme seeks to redress the current shortfall in Recreational/Sporting provision targeted at youth participation e.g. Multi Sports Courts, Skateboard provision and BMX tracks. The County Council (not Borough Council) is the provider of formal Youth Services - Youth Clubs etc. The Borough Council in partnership with the Youth Service provides free access to Sports facilities by disenfranchised youth.

New Entertainment Venue/The Music Hall Responses to questions from the Shrewsbury Conference 2002.

In this statement, I have included information relating to all the specific (including unattributed) questions about the Music Hall and/or the new entertainment venue posed at the Conference. All those who logged their name and address will be sent a copy.

The Council has a policy to develop a new entertainment venue in Shrewsbury. This policy has been in place for a number of years, although development plans have not proceeded in the past for a variety of reasons. The Council's policy to develop a new venue on the Smithfield Road site is not contingent on any other adjacent property deal, although current proposals for adjacent or abutting development are being considered to see if they offer additional advantage to the new entertainment venue development.

The Council holds the view that a good entertainment venue is an important part of their cultural provision – for both residents and visitors. This relates to both programme and the physical facility, and supports the ability of people to have choice about what they can do locally in their leisure time. Additionally, provision of good cultural facilities has been cited in research as one of the top four reasons why companies choose to relocate to an area.

The Music Hall has severe limitations as a performance venue, notably in relation to disabled access to the stage and backstage areas, the limitations of size of the backstage area and loading facilities, the lack of technical facilities (including flying) and appropriate performer facilities, and the overall difficulties and expense of operating a complex created out of four separate buildings and a former shut. Although it is currently operating at 81% capacity overall (98.4% capacity for the 2001 pantomime – one of the highest in the country), we are still limited in the kind of performances which can be hosted in the Music Hall because of the physical limitations of the building, and in recent years, the requirements of changing legislation have resulted in an increased revenue burden, and significant one off items of capital expenditure.

The Council commissioned a Conservation Study on the Music Hall in 2000, and whilst the auditorium capacity appeared able to be increased by 100 seats, very little opportunity exists to solve the problems relating to the stage/backstage areas and the circulation. This increase in capacity alone would not enable us to programme the kind of performances which Shrewsbury audiences have been requesting, as the basic technical requirements could not be fulfilled, and even if they could, 480 seats would not result in even a reasonable financial return. Any physical changes would be subject to the planning process, and the cost of those proposed alterations would be £5.3 million.

In terms of value for money, therefore, that investment would not bring the level of return we require, either financially or in programme range – we would spend £5.3 million and not get much more for our money than we do now; additionally, future operational expenditure would increase with no corresponding opportunity to increase revenue.

The Music Hall continues to flourish, however, and within the limitations outlined above, continues to reach new audiences and provide as wide a variety of programme as is feasible. Audience development is a continuous process, assisted by new e-marketing initiatives introduced in 2002. A particular strength of the arts development policies has been partnership development with a range of education and community based organisations, which has helped to extend the range of users and audiences for the Music Hall, and has supported the provision of neighbourhood based programmes. The development of higher education in the town would offer further opportunities for collaboration. A high proportion of users are local – from within the Borough and from a 45 minute drive time, but research has shown that approximately 15% of our audiences travel considerable distances for some shows.

In developing plans for the new entertainment venue, we looked closely at the programme and audiences to inform our proposals for the facility. Shrewsbury Access Group and the Council's Access Officer have been consulted in respect of disability issues. Consultation has been undertaken with key stakeholder arts groups on the proposals, and further public consultation will follow as plans progress. The plan for two auditoria - seating 750 and 250 - is complemented by function rooms, bar and catering facilities, and rehearsal space. Most importantly, we have specified technical back-up and backstage facilities which can service the operations efficiently and cost-effectively. Whilst we could have developed a bigger single auditorium, we do not feel that this would best serve local need. Given the current level of audiences, we believe we can attract both new and more users to the new venue and its extended programme – at least one of our local organisations wishes to use the main auditorium for its shows,

The majority of the capital finance for the new entertainment venue will be derived from the sale of the current livestock market site. As the application by Tesco to relocate and develop its current store onto this site is subject to a Planning Inquiry, we are not in a position to proceed until the outcome of the Inquiry is known, possibly in September 2003.

The additional costs of providing flood protection in the Smithfield Road area is important for the town as a whole, not just the entertainment venue. The Council will consider the matter of flood protection in collaboration with the Environment Agency, and in discussions with any property developer who expresses an interest in that area.

The future use of the Music Hall has not been determined, but the building is protected by its listing – Grade II for the main building, and Grade II* for Vaughan's Mansion, and any proposals for use would have to respect the integrity of the building, and its location at the heart of the historic town centre. No decisions in respect of the re-use of the building will be taken until the financing and timescale for the new entertainment venue have been confirmed.

Anne Whitfield

Cultural Services Manager

2nd December, 2002

58

New theatre

New Arts Venue 2003-2004, is that going to happen? Access works, Disability Act 2004, will our tourist venues be accessible to disabled individuals either visit shows at Music Hall or other venues, and disabled performers, who currently have real access issues in Music Hall. Please consult disabled people as performers and audience members so services/buildings fit their needs.

Anne Whitfield

59

New theatre

Music Hall - What is happening to this building?

Anne Whitfield

60

New theatre

What is the future of Music Hall if the new Theatre goes ahead? Wouldn't it be better value to upgrade the Music Hall than build new theatre? Does the demand justify the expanse on the new Theatre? Cost £5m for Music Hall and £15m plus flood protection for the new theatre.

Anne Whitfield

61

New theatre

Theatre - No more by-passing of the main issue but focus of local people by tickets. Productions not happening in Shrewsbury. Revenue needs to be attracted into the town. Arts faculty focus if University in Shropshire (Jo Jones).

Anne Whitfield

62

New theatre

£15m spent on new theatre could bring Music Hall up to standard and be less expensive.

Anne Whitfield

63

New theatre

Music Hall is too small and inconvenient and access problems. Can't bring a full range of audiences in. Hopeless backstage facilities. Need 7-800 seat venue - flood protection can be built in. Parking important

Anne Whitfield

64

New theatre

Do we want a theatre? Bricks and mortar not the answer. It is to do with marketing and good programming.

Anne Whitfield

65

New theatre

Reasons why we can fill a new venue?

Anne Whitfield

66

New theatre

New theatre not required but could develop a resource/educational/arts training venue.

Anne Whitfield

67

New theatre

Future of Music Hall of concern if new entertainment complete. Square should be hub of town. Rumour that given to developers of new theatre as part payment. Who will use a 700 seat theatre?

Anne Whitfield

68

New theatre

What happens to the Music Hall if new entertainments venue?

Anne Whitfield

69

New theatre

Theatre - How will the Council ensure Council contribution to ensure there is an adequate programme, revenue commitment, to support on-going substantial commitment programmes?

Anne Whitfield

70

New theatre

When can we expect a fully accessible arts venue in Shrewsbury which will not only be fully accessible front of house but also backstage? - especially with the DDA coming into force in 2004, which will mean public buildings will have to be fully accessible.

Anne Whitfield

71

New theatre

The proposed new theatre complex is clearly capable of providing a balance within the developing evening economy of the town. The scale of the proposed venue will draw in audiences from a wider area than the current Music Hall, providing another focal point to offset the West End night life. As the proposal is now limited to a range of retail developments is there any need for it to still link with the Harlescott/Tesco site to be financially viable? If not the scheme should be progressed immediately.

Anne Whitfield

72

New theatre

Theatre - following a large feasibility survey which showed the town could not support a theatre - why has this decision now been made to build a new development?

Anne Whitfield

73

New theatre

Proposed Entertainment Centre - The past year has seen SABC's Frankwell HQ proceed with startling rapidity (many had no idea it was in the starting stalls let alone racing to the head of the field). Will the same alacrity apply to the Entertainment Centre? The county town no longer has a functioning purpose-built theatre, this limits the artistic diet of both salopians and potential visitors.

Anne Whitfield

74

New theatre

New Entertainment Venue - (1) What is holding up progress on this project, which appears to have the support of all parties prior to the May election? (2) How will interested parties - artists, promoters, arts organisations and other associations be consulted in the next stages of the project, so that we avoid the mistakes which were made in the refurbishment of the Music Hall? (3) What are the plans for the Music Hall?

Anne Whitfield

75

New theatre

concerns about what new entertainments venue will look like - model looks a bit 'blocky'.

Anne Whitfield

76

New theatre

What has been the extent of consultation on accessibility to the new Arts Venue in Shrewsbury? We've worked in so many so called accessible venues and they were clearly inaccessible for varying reasons i.e. wooden floors, no lift, toilets, no access direct to stages/back stage areas etc.

Anne Whitfield

77

New theatre

Future of Music Hall and provision for music at new venue.

Anne Whitfield

78

New theatre

Is the proposed theatre still too small?

Anne Whitfield

79

New theatre

New Theatre - New modern facility is needed but needs to be the right size to match the demand - can't be too grand - large capacity. Do we have to lose the Music Hall to get a new theatre - is it the sacrificial lamb for the new theatre?

Anne Whitfield

80

New theatre

What can SABC do regarding public art? Why don't SABC use the walls for flood defences for public art? Why are we not using other examples i.e. Iron Man of the North, Birmingham.

Anne Whitfield

81

New theatre

The Theatre - Is it Council policy to proceed with the creation of a new theatre for Shrewsbury, irrespective of the success or otherwise of any other property deal is might do? If not, why not? I believe this really is Shrewsbury's last chance to build an entertainment venue worthy of the town...an opportunity not to be allowed to escape our collective grasp.

Anne Whitfield