The Group Parish Council of Acton Burnell, Pitchford, Frodesley, Ruckley and Langley represents those settlements which are situated in an extreme rural area about six miles (10 kms) south east of Shrewsbury. They border on South Shropshire and are on the edge of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). There is no public street lighting and only a very infrequent bus service. Many tourists visit to enjoy the historical aspect of the area. Agriculture predominates land use, and there has been no major development, housing or industry.

Sensitive infilling and modernisation has ensured that the villages remain largely unspoilt. The largest village, Acton Burnell with an electorate of 104 (96/97) is steeped in history, having hosted the first sitting of Lords and Commoners (parliament) in 1283. Close by the ruins of the Old Barn, where The Parliament sat, are the remains of Acton Burnell Castle, built by Sir Robert Burnell, Chaplain to Edward 1 at about the same time. The modest size of the Gothic style church is deceptive as it contains many items of historical interest. Acton Burnell Hall is now occupied by Concord College, which draws most of its students from abroad (mainly Asia). The whole village is within a designated Conservation Area.