COUNCIL NEWS – NOVEMBER

At this month’s meeting Members were delighted to welcome Mrs. Jill Manley who had applied to be co-opted onto the Council to fill one of the vacant seats. Jill had previously been a Member and served as Chair for a number of years. She will be a valuable asset to the team. We would remind everyone that there is still one vacancy to be filled and that a full Council election will be held in May next year.

As always the business discussed covered a wide spectrum and started with congratulating the contractor who was responsible for erecting the new fencing round the Playing Field. Many positive comments have been received and it is hoped it will serve the Parish well for many years. Arrangements are being made to remove the old wooden posts down to ground level.

Earlier in the year a local parishioner who wishes to remain anonymous made a generous donation of £1,000 for the Council to plant new trees in the Moat and Glebe areas but progressing the project has been delayed until the ground and weather conditions were suitable. The Chairman has identified a local Nursery that is able to provide a range of suitable trees but help is needed to plant them in suitable and approved locations – willing volunteers will be welcome.

There are many footpaths and bridleways surrounding the Parish, which are well used by residents and visitors and need regular attention but many areas have become overgrown and it has proved difficult finding volunteers willing to do the necessary clearance work. Contact has been made with a local Company called Harris Wilderness Mowing, which has developed remotely controlled machines able to carry out this type of work. The Council has contracted them to carry out a trial programme of work and if this proves to be successful it is hoped they can be contracted for further work on the paths and on wet areas of the Glebe.

Every effort is still being made to get Shropshire Council improve the road markings and warning signs on the A53 entering Shawbury from the Shrewsbury direction

When Flt. Lt. Jones gave the regular report on activities at RAF Shawbury he ended by presenting a letter from the Station Commander, Wing Commander Alan Jones, giving a short overview of RAF Shawbury’s fund raising activities over the past year. Included was a cheque for £300 given as a small token of their appreciation and gratitude for the assistance the Parish Council and the local community provide to the Station and its personnel   At a later Council meeting Members will decide how best to use this donation.

The full draft minutes of the meeting can be found on the Councils web site -and the Clerk can be contacted on shawbrypcclerk@talktalk.netor by  ‘phone on 01743 236810