News

Shropshire Council’s Budget Consultation is now open

Like many councils across the country, Shropshire Council faces a very tough financial position and is seeking residents’ help in shaping some difficult decisions that lie ahead.  

At just over halfway through this financial year, we have achieved 80% of our spending reductions target of £51.4m. Our plan is to build on these strong foundations to overcome the challenges that still lie ahead into the next financial year and beyond. 

Our biggest pressure is that the funding we have to deliver our services hasn’t kept pace with the demand that we are seeing, especially in adults’ social care and children’s social care, which makes up nearly 80% of the council budget. 

Essentially, we are having to do much more with less so we can carry on supporting the most vulnerable people in our communities. To keep doing this, we will have to make some difficult decisions.  We will need to change the way we deliver some services, whilst some others may need to stop altogether. We want to understand your priorities, as residents, businesses, staff or stakeholders, so that any future decisions are made with these in mind.  Our budget consultation starts today, and this is an opportunity for you to share your thoughts on how we can achieve the £50m spending reductions that we must make before 2025, which includes the 4.99% council tax increase that the Government allocation assumes we will make.”

Go to online budget consultation The themes include increasing efficiency, increasing income, reducing third-party spending and making sure that we are the right size as an organisation. The survey should take less than fifteen minutes and will run until 28 January 2024. Every voice matters. Feedback from this will then inform the final budget proposals which will come back to the council in February.   

Please try and take the time to express your opinions.

HFG – Xmas Walk: Dec 5th

Our next walk is on Tuesday Dec 5th, starting at 10.30 from the Lyon Hall’s car park in Hodnet.

This month we are walking to Hawkstone Hall, where we have arranged for tea/coffee to be available – at an expected nominal charge.

Our route will be out via the Hearne to Long Lane, then up to Marchamley and down to the hall. After refreshments, participants can walk around the gardens before returning to Hodnet – but, of course, you are free to return earlier if time is pressing. The return route will be via the Marchamley to Hodnet permissive path.

As ever, all are welcome, inc. dogs [on leads] and children, with suitable footwear/clothing advised.

Further info, if required, from Jake Williams [07474 – 974477]

Shropshire Youth Survey November 2023

Shropshire Youth’s aim is to help improve the community for young people. So that they know what they can do to help, they’re asking young people all over Shropshire to fill in this questionnaire. By taking the time to do this you will have an active role in making your community better for you and other young people in Shropshire.

The link below will take you to the Council’s survey page:

Shropshire Youth Survey November 2023

Views sought about proposed fines for dog fouling

Shropshire Council are asking people for their views about proposals to issue fines to dog owners who allow their animals to foul pavements and public amenity spaces without clearing up afterwards.

An eight-week consultation began this week into plans to introduce a ‘public spaces protection order’. It can be seen here.

The PSPO would enable Shropshire Council‘s dog warden service to issue fixed penalty notices of up to £100.

Under the PSPO, dogs would also be excluded from play and sports areas and would be required to wear a lead on the public highway. Officers would also have the power to ask for a dog to be put on a lead where they aren’t under the control of their owner or are acting aggressively.

The consultation runs until 21 December 2023 and the findings will then be brought back to the council’s Cabinet for further consideration early next year.

As both public education and enforcement are required to encourage responsible dog ownership, if a PSPO is agreed an educational campaign would be run ahead of the new rules coming into effect.

October’s 1st Tuesday Walk – HFG

Hodnet footpath group’s next walk takes place on Tuesday 3rd October 2023.

We will meet ready for 10.00 start by the old railway line bridge on Station Rd, Hodnet, with roadside parking adjacent.

We will be walking along the old railway line to Wollerton (benefitting from some planned tree/shrub clearance work this weekend), then down to Heathbroook and back to the bottom of Station Road. Those that have had enough can return from there, otherwise we will continue to and through Tunstall woods before returning to the start.

As ever, all welcome, whether old or new faces, plus children and dogs too.

Bring a drink/snack if you wish.

Queries to Jake Williams 07474 974477

Closure of A49 north of Shrewsbury Monday 25th September – Wednesday 4th October 2023

Essential road repairs are to be carried out on the A49 from Halls roundabout to Astley Lane, Hadnall from Monday 25 September to Wednesday 4 October – from 9.30am to 4pm each day.

While work is being carried out the road will be closed, with a signed diversion route in place.

Access to residential properties and business within the closure will be maintained – along with access for emergency vehicles.

Advance notice signs, advising of the forthcoming closure, will be erected prior to work starting.

A53 Roadworks 29 August – 7 September 2023

The A53 between Battlefield and the Muller Roundabout will be subject to night closures for carriageway repairs. Closures will be from 20:00 – 06:00. The work will be carried out in 4 phases:

Phase 1 – Battlefield to Shawbury – 29/08/2023-30/08/2023 (1 night)

Phase 2 – Shawbury to Hodnet – 30/08/2023-01/09/2023 (2 nights)

Phase 3 – Hodnet to Tern Hill roundabout – 04/09/2023-05/09/2023 (1 night)

Phase 4 – Tern Hill roundabout to Muller roundabout – 05/09/2023-07/09/2023 (2 nights)

A41 Roadworks

The dual carriageway section of the A41 will be closed on 17th and 18th July. Inevitably, that will mean increased traffic and heavy lorries through Marchamley and Hodnet: Take extra care.

The A41 is to be closed between Hinstock and the roundabout with the A519 from 24th July until 1st September. There is a very lengthy diversion but it seems more likely that the A41 will be avoided altogether by drivers who are used to diverting through Hodnet.