Subject Area

Question

Service Manager

Response

Activities for young people (Leisure)

Activities for young people - there are no facilities for evenings. For youngsters - needed pub with no beer, skateboard parks, BMX park

Alan Wallin

Opening of the Mary Webb Sports Centre in March/April 2004 represents a first and major step forward in provision for young people. Pub with no beer idea rests logically with SCC Youth Service. Provision of skateboard/

BMX facilities would be supported by officers if/when funding could be identified.

Affordable Housing

Local people - both young and the elderly should be able to stay in their locality when seeking either affordable starter homes or sheltered dwellings regardless of their income.

Andy Goldsmith

The Borough Council has recently commissioned a housing needs assessment to determine exactly the scale and extent of housing need within the Borough. This information will be available at ward level and will inform planning and housing policies.

The provision of affordable housing is one of the Councils corporate priorities. Since the transfer of the Councils housing stock to Severnside the Council has secured over 110 additional affordable homes with another 40 under development. 10 of these properties are in Minsterley.

The target is to provide at least 500 by October 2006.

Housing

Lack of low cost housing shortage for the Pontesbury area.

Andy Goldsmith

Housing

Affordable Housing - Pontesbury - why is this not available? What style of housing are proposed for the 2 new initiatives in Pontesbury - who has decided this?

Andy Goldsmith

Car parking

Car parking - prices are terrible - would prefer to go else where - such as Chester.

Eddie McGrath

Car parking

Car parking - purchase Long Mynd site - old coach park - to alleviate parking issues within centre of Pontesbury.

SCC

Changing car etc (5) Transport

Yes where possible - but would be unrealistic and impracticable in the rural areas.

SCC

Community Strategy (6)

Most people heard of it but usually through involvement in a group not so much individuals. Newsletter supported.

Celia Bahrami

Community Strategy (6)

1. More affordable housing for both starter homes and for the elderly. (Approx. £50,000). 2. More partnership with developers/planners/Parish Councils. 3. Eligibility to purchase for first time buyers within Community Strategy. 3. Eligibility to purchase for first time buyers within community to promote vital villages. 4. Concessions to senior citizens on low incomes (living expenses - winter fuel, Council Tax, travel allowance reductions).

Celia Bahrami

Council Tax

We pay more Council Tax and have less services for example - Police, states of the roads etc.

Paul Pennell

Noted but disagree.

Council Tax

The Borough representative stated that Community Tax would be kept at a 3% increase. Can the County Council representative give his indication on the % increase for the County.

SCC

Council Tax

How do the County Council justify an increase of 16% in Council Tax? Does increase include Fireman's pay rise?

SCC

Council Tax

Council Tax rise from County Council affecting the elderly. County do not appear to explain why the tax is rising disproportionately to inflation.

SCC

Council Tax (7)

Council Tax - Not willing to pay any more for Council Tax! Some of the elderly cannot afford the Tax.

Paul Pennell

Noted.

Council Tax (7)

Council Tax - misleading figure of 3% given - what about the rest?

Paul Pennell

The 3% figure relates to the Borough Council. The overall Council Tax figure includes the requirements of the SCC, the West Mercia Police Authority, the Fire and Rescue Service, and Parish Councils.

Council Tax (7)

Council Tax - keep it low. Reduce waste of spending e.g. what happens to old fire engines? (some quite new). Councils should run as a business - managers more @.

SCC

Disabled parking

Why are SABC reducing disabled parking spaces in the town? What happens if they need to park longer than 3 hours?

Eddie McGrath

Do the Councils listen (8)

We only tell people what we want them to hear. After presentation facts being incorrect - how much truth can everyone place upon the rest of the population.

SCC

Do the Councils listen? (8)

Do the Council listen - 1. SABC do appear to be listening except for re the new Borough offices and the Old Market Hall. 2. SCC do not appear to listen, in general public seemed to be dissatisfied at public meeting in September at Lord Hill. Specifically didn't listen last year on Council Tax.

SCC

Do the Councils listen? (8)

Generally yes they do listen but a balance needs to be struck - could do better, but aware that Councils do have their own aims and objectives.

SCC

Economy (3)

(3) Small businesses do not want to go world-wide, would rather have a more localised assistance.

David Griffiths

Noted but there is scope and advantages for some businesses to have a worldwide presence although to others localised assistance may be more important.

Economy (3)

Rural Economy - Broadband is a good idea - get it out to rural areas. Uncertain what switch on Shropshire will do/achieve.

SCC

Finance

SABC - presentation was incorrect - Pontesbury School have had to fund £150,000 towards this scheme. SABC and SCC are not paying for the whole project. Please explain?

Alan Wallin

Presentation was correct but only covered SABC funding - total funding is as follows:

Capital funding SABC £450K

SCC £125K

Mary Webb School £100K

Additional SABC Capital funding of £50K to specifically provide for equipping gymnasium

(SABC total £500K)

Revenue funding:- Allocation by Mary Webb School of £10K annually for a five year period.

Finance

I was told 18 months ago that it would be a simple matter to convert the new Borough offices at Frankwell Quay to residential use. My question is in two parts: 1. When will this conversion start so that senior citizens no longer able to pay the ever increasing Council Tax may have a home. 2. Or do Councillors on ever increasing expenses remain unconverted and unable to understand the hardship caused to many pensioners living on interest.

Paul Pennell

1. There are no plans to convert the Frankwell offices to residential use.

2. Borough Councillors are fully aware of the impact that large Council Tax increases have on all sectors of the community.

Finance

Increase in Council Tax is greater than increase in pension increase. Why can't it be kept within limits of inflation or rebate on pensioners Council Tax.

Paul Pennell

The Borough Council limited its Council Tax increase to 3% for 2003/04 with a limit of 2.9% planned for 2004/05. Rebates can only be given on the basis of need i.e. Council Tax Benefit, not on any other basis.

Finance

Mr Nutting commented the budget for the New Council Offices is within budget. What is the budget as different figures are being quoted.

Paul Pennell

The capital cost of the offices is £10.7 million to include land purchase.

Finance

What is the net cost of the construction of the new council offices?

Paul Pennell

As above.

Finance

Concern over potential rise in SCC community charge bearing in mind the number of retired people in Pontesbury. (Average £400 wages in not reflected in local community here in Pontesbury).

SCC

Flooding

Flooding - why aren't drains cleaned - bring back the road cleaners.

Derek Caddy

Flooding

Flood Barriers - concern that they have not been tested - where will water go? Funding withdrawn - use of old River bed, Ellesmere Road as overflow.

Eddie McGrath

Flooding

My wife and I attended a lecture by a geologist, Mr D Pannett. A major point that he reiterated was that the geology under Frankwell and town centre was a glacial deposit. Trying to stop water at times of flooding could not be stopped by building concrete barriers. Water will flood under the river from one side to the other.

Eddie McGrath

Flooding

The flood measures at Frankwell will do nothing to help reduce flooding in this area. Can something be done in rural areas.

Eddie McGrath

Fly tipping

Do you feel that fly tipping is an increasing problem in Shropshire? - why therefore are you making it increasingly difficulty with the restraints you have put on local tips (i.e. you can not take car and trailer)

Derek Caddy

Footpaths/ highways

Lack of footways in certain locations in centre of Pontesbury.

SCC

Green waste

Might a concise legend be printed on the green compost waste bags explaining why the gaps are the size they are and what happens to the waste. I think the systems works very well (but then I'm a biologist!). Some people have no idea of men moving heavy bags and how decomposition works.

Derek Caddy

Green waste

Recycling Green Waste. What is the justification for collecting green waste from rural households who, in the past, used to compost the waste in their own gardens?

Derek Caddy

Green waste

Pontesbury residents - green bags not supplied - bags were not secured by stones and rubbish was not picked up - what about another wheelie bin for this?

Derek Caddy

Health

Too much bureaucracy. Too great a cost e.g. rules around TB testing.

SCC

Improving Air Quality (5)

Public Transport - reduce air quality. But, bus engine emissions in town centre high.

David Wraith

Improving Air Quality (5)

(1) Yes generally need to think about alternative form of public transport. (2) Yes - consider alternative fuels. (3) Yes support - provided access maintained to town centre by train (link with Football stadium). (4) Yes - consider subsidies? (5) Yes (6) Yes

David Wraith

Improving Air Quality (5)

Provision of Parking / Railway. Yes - but cost. How much it would cost to use, and how often the trains run etc.

SCC

Improving Air Quality (5)

Yes in favour of relief road but Bayston Hill - Dobbies Island needs improving, either traffic lights or fly-over.

SCC

Litter

Have a policy in town fining people who drop litter, why cant' this policy be extended to rural areas, particularly Pontesbury?

Derek Caddy

Livestock Market

New Livestock Market. Two point question: 1. If and when? the Council build a new market? will the design and build make it suitable for alternative use? 2. If it is built will the construction and day to day operation go out to public tender?

David Griffiths

The construction of a new Livestock Market at Shawbury Turn will be dependent on the Tesco's retail development at Harlescott proceeding and planning consent being approved by the government. We await the outcome of this early in the New Year.

I was not directly involved in the design of the building and presume your query relates to alternative uses for the site on days when it is still being used as a Livestock Market. I understand that a wider range of activities within the building was considered at an earlier stage but not progressed due to the higher capital costs involved. It has been designed as a purpose built Livestock Market rather than a multi - use building. If it is built the construction will go out to competitive tender to obtain the best price but Halls are linked into the management of the completed building.

North West Relief Road

North West Road. The rural communities north and north-west of Shrewsbury need a relief road to reduce traffic through the narrow country roads, but the road must connect up to the A5. Please consult local Parish Councils on what route is appropriate, as well as Oswestry communities and north Shropshire.

SCC

North West Relief Road

Supports the construction of the NW Relief Road

SCC

North West relief road

Can the North West relief road be given priority? This should help the congestion in Shrewsbury town centre.

SCC

Older people

Older people, is the aim of helping old people to live independently, a get out from providing old peoples homes as we had in the 1970-80s?

SCC

Older people

Older people prefer to stay in their own homes. More warden control accommodation to release housing to young people.

SCC

Open spaces

1. How important do the Officers feel it is to maintain "Open spaces" in local villages? 2. What support would the Officer/Councillors give a village (Bomere Heath) to prevent the building on an "Open space" which is also a valuable local amenity.

Derek Caddy

Park and Ride

Improved Park and Ride - Yes but where from? Maybe more localised facilities?

Eddie McGrath

Parking

Parking for visiting coaches not now available at Frankwell - limited coach parking by Abbey but that would need subsidising transport for visitors and Shrewsbury is an ideal visitor venue and commerce needs the visitors.

Eddie McGrath

Parking

Parking in Pontesbury - all concentrated on narrow road. Lots of HGV use. Council should talk to Long Mynd coaches about car parking. Use parcel of land by cricket pitch.

SCC

Parking

Yes heard of it but not read it. The issues should include rural areas as most appear to be Town Centre issues. Quality of life in Pontesbury could be improved by improving the car parking situation within the village.

SCC

Parking/ traffic

Pontesbury needs a car park - major issue. Are there any plans to build a bypass?

SCC

Planning

Why is development being allowed to continue without the provision of proper infrastructure i.e. sewerage system.

Geoff Harrison

Planning

How important do you feel it is to take into consideration the views of Parish Councils in regard to planning applications?

Geoff Harrison

Planning

Planning Issue: Why is there so much high density infill development being allowed in rural villages, specifically Pontesbury and Minsterley?

Geoff Harrison

Planning

1. Sewer within Pontesbury inadequate for village. It appears Borough approves planning applications but does not insist on sewers being improved.

Geoff Harrison

Planning

What is policy on barn development? Has original intention for light industrial use changed? More flexibility re private dwelling.

Geoff Harrison

Planning

Deanery Hall, Pontesbury. 1. Planning has been obtained for 1 dwelling but is now proposed for 3 dwellings - concerned that minimum parking has been proposed and will cause difficulties with on street parking/guests etc. Add to increased parking limitations in village. 2. Concern over proposed demolition of Deanery Hall in 2 weeks before Christmas - disruption to trade, congested construction site, danger to pedestrians and vehicles. 3. Concern over already over capacity sewers.

Peter Fenwick

Severn Trent are the responsible body for sewerage.

Planning

Planning - Agricultural restriction will be placed on original farmhouse after a successful application for agricultural herdsman's house and diary unit. This will devalue the farmhouse and limit our capital base for future investment. Our business employs two people and needs the second house for livestock duties late at night.

Peter Fenwick

Planning

I would like to build a retirement bungalow on part of my property. This part is outside of the village boundary, but would not be the cart house in the road, two properties approx. 50/60 yds above mine. I have consulted the planning department over the last 10 years only to come up against a brick wall and yet many developments have gone on and are going on outside this area.

Peter Fenwick

Planning

Deanery Hall - could demolition be delayed till after Christmas?

Peter Fenwick

Planning

Planning in Pontesbury - 3 houses next to Red Lion. Change in planning. Tighten up policy. Adequate parking in rural towns/villages. Need to safeguard open spaces.

SCC

Planning00

Council should listen more to Parish Councils on Planning issues.

Geoff Harrison

Population (2)

Population. 1. Living expense concessions. 2. Potential for whole families (grand parents, children, grandchildren) living adjacent/together in affordable housing to assist the young/old alike - support. 3. Facility developments of this type - affordable.

SCC

Population (2)

Yes older people should be able to live independently.

SCC

Post Offices/Parking

Post Offices - how important to maintain - must be supported. Linked to parking - Pontesbury - parking a problem - Lo-Cost parking not available.

SCC

Protection of the Environment (4)

Are the Councils right to invest in and encourage recycling? - Yes

Derek Caddy

Protection of the Environment (4)

In favour of spending on recycling. Generating energy by borrowing waste a good idea.

Derek Caddy

Public transport

Bus fares need to be reduced to compete with cars. Link with car park charges. Bus fares reduced to match Park and Ride charges.

SCC

Public transport

Concerned that at off peak times local buses are travelling empty and feel that services could be reduced from 1/2 hourly as they are at present. Very satisfied with amount peak times service. Park and Ride in Shrewsbury is a similar story.

SCC

Public transport (5)

Using improved public transport. Yes providing it is two ways - convenient to get to town centre.

SCC

Public transport (5)

Re-open rail track from Pontesbury to town. Yes in favour - but need a realistic approach.

SCC

Rail networks

Rail links need improving. E.g. should have a direct rail link to London. Services over the years have been gradually eroded. Improvements would sell the town.

SCC

Recycling

I welcome green boxes, but what does paper cover - lightweight packaging - cereal packets have been thrown out. What happens to clothing - is it for local charities, or just shoddy?

Derek Caddy

Recycling

Green waste collections supported and extension of time essential. But large wheelie bins appear to have increased amount of waste. Potential for 2 weekly collection to encourage recycling.

Derek Caddy

Recycling

No uniformity across the Council areas for recycling and waste. No schools have waste paper collections - why is this? Is there a market for paper recycling?

Derek Caddy

Recycling

Recycling of plastic bags etc?

Derek Caddy

Recycling

Bring back the handy carrier - heavy duty paper bags in brown - these could be recycled

Derek Caddy

Recycling

Recycling Centre - why only household waste? People don't use boxes. Glass ends up going to the tip.

Derek Caddy

Recycling (4)

Yes, but not everyone has a green box for recycling. The people that pick up boxes are not the most co-operative.

Derek Caddy

Roads

Policy on adoption of roads. What is the policy?

SCC

Roads

Safe crossings on A5. The Highways Agency are responsible for the A5. What pressure are SCC and SABC doing to improve turning and crossing points on the A5 for motor vehicles, pedestrians and horses?

SCC

Roads

Conditions of rural roads. Problems with size of vehicles using rural roads.

SCC

Roads

Nesscliffe and Hodnet by-passes. It is evident that the Nesscliffe by-pass (Highways Agency) has been built with less concern for the needs of the local community than the Hodnet by-pass (SCC). What pressure can SCC bring to bear on the Highways Agency to ensure the needs of the local community are properly considered when designing and building new roads?

SCC

Rural isolation (1)

Transport - generally good, initiatives good - providing buses reliable - the scheme will be well used.

SCC

Rural Isolation (1)

Rural Isolation - need to ensure that villages are viable but acknowledge that each village is different one size doesn't fit all. They evolve.

SCC

Rural Isolation (1)

Transport is better but only if you live on one of the main routes.

SCC

Social Care

Care homes are closing because of bureaucracy. People in own homes good but should be up to families to support - common sense.

SCC

Social care

Cheaper to look after someone in their own home but training of carers is very important (NVQ 2 and 3). Where care homes are answer need quality care in public sector (not for profits).

SCC

Social care/ Community development

No day centre facilities in Pontesbury - when will this happen?

Andy Goldsmith/ SCC

The Borough Council has been working with a community group to develop a healthy living centre in Pontesbury. This development is however some way off.

Statutory provision

County Council has to provide statutory provision, has the Council looked at provision which is not statutory and whether any cuts can be made within these areas.

SCC

Street lighting

SCC/SABC policy towards assisting in replacing worn out street lighting in rural areas. PC cannot afford replacement cost.

SCC

Tourism

Tourism - investing in cyclists, walkers, horse-riders who come into area. Hotels - affordable, quality hotels

David Griffiths

Noted and partly addressed through the new Visitor Economy Strategy.

Traffic

Can the 40mph limit through Yockleton be extended to the Fords Heath junction, this would enable the 40mph limit to include the narrow railway bridge, which has no footways.

SCC

Traffic

Traffic calming doesn't work - people shoot through - find a better solution.

SCC

Traffic/ highways

Possibly reduce the speed limit within the centre of Pontesbury village.

SCC

Transport

Buses expensive P.R. Dial-a-Ride more suitable way of serving rural area - providing bus when and where needed. Money letter about supporting shops in local community.

Eddie McGrath

Transport

More cycle routes from villages into town. The roads can be dangerous to cycle on - cars drive too fast. More initiatives to ensure motorists drive slower in the villages. Bus services on Fri/Sat nights for young people returning to the villages from town. Great place to live!

SCC

Transport

Transport - I welcome the new low level access buses and the Shropshire shuttle service but I have concern for young people in rural areas and their social development.

SCC

Transport

Traffic on the B4386 is increasing annually, particularly heavy traffic and is now at danger point. Can this be investigated?

SCC

Transport

1. Who is responsible for such as light on steps by railway station? 2. Monitoring of speed in villages - Longden, Annscroft, Hook-a-gate. 3. Market Hall - much better to have a walk around. 4. Theatre venue - no adequate music venue for Shropshire yet.

SCC

Transport

Transport - late bus service on Fridays, Saturdays - mainly for young people going into Shrewsbury for entertainment. Recycling has been well received.

SCC

Transport

Transport in Pontesbury has improved but the evening service still needs more services.

SCC

Transport

Why can't the Park and Ride be half price for pensioners.

SCC

Transport

Compartmentalised weekly bus good. Couldn't one vehicle pick up all commodities.

SCC

Waste

In Yockleton the local waste collection point has been disbanded. Can priority be given for the provision of green boxes in this area.

Derek Caddy

Waste

Clean incinerators would be welcome.

Derek Caddy