Councillors in rural Shropshire have questioned a move by Shropshire Council Highway’s Department to stop their officers from coming out to visit rural Town and Parish Councils during the build up to a public consultation.
Not only were the officers barred from attending but Nigel had to drive to Shirehall in Shrewsbury to pick up the equipment to allow the relevant officers to join the meeting and also be taught how to use it. He then has to drive nearly 30 miles back with it.
As the lockdown has shown much can be done online. However, when dealing which such detailed and complex issues as Streetscene, road layouts and traffic calming, the presence of an officer is crucial, something both I & the Chair of Clun TC made clear to senior Highways officers to no avail. Quite apart from the graphical presentation of the options involved, Town Councillors should have the opportunity of thoroughly discussing the proposals with officers – the Town Councillors are the people on the ground, they understand their areas best.
This is purely down to financial and staffing cuts. Effectively it is making it impossible for Town and Parish Councils to have a relationship with the very officers who do not know the area well. This process is also dependent on good WIFI in Village Halls across rural Shropshire. That frequently does not exist. Will Shropshire Council be paying for the links to make this possible for all areas?