Local candidate Ruth Houghton stormed to victory on the 12th September, to hold the seat for the Liberal Democrats.

"When Councillor Jonny Keeley decided to step down owing to family pressures- - full time work and 3 children - Ruth stepped into the breach and has worked tirelessly to win this election." Said Heather Kidd, neighbouring Councillor for Chirbury and Worthen. " We now have a complete local team again covering the whole of south west Shropshire from Worthen to Bishops Castle and Bucknell. She will make a fantastic and committed new councillor."

Dear All

This is the latest on the Hope School site - still no further forward today -I am sorry to say. This is what the Officer in Shirehall sent to me today;

"Frustratingly, we still have not received the final permission from the Secretary of State for the disposal of the land at Hope, despite chasers and apologetic DfE responses. Again, I am promised an answer shortly, but I'm not holding my breath. I've made strong representations about the timescale involved in these matters generally, as I fear opportunities could be missed if the system doesn't change.

Shropshire's roads contractors strike again!.

The road between Snailbeach and Stiperstones was closed with very little warning recently for patching. Having got a little warning, I spoke to KIER and agreed that they would delay the work for one day so that proper diversion/warning signs could be put in place. Guess what no signs, more serious hassle for residents!

I have been trying to arrange meetings with a road safety officer for weeks following accidents in both Chirbury and Marton. Imagine my shock when I was initially told that we did not warrant a meeting as we had no accidents! Now we have had a lorry off the road outside Chirbury (avoiding a car on the wrong side of the road!) and a head on collision near to the Folly Junction. The Parish Clerk, Maureen Jenkins and myself are pressing for this meeting to be held urgently.

Dear All

Shropshire Council has decided to 'restructure' Highways.

We all knew that was to happen but not when or how! It actually occured on 1^st June and no one told Worthen with Shelve or Chirbury with Brompton Parish Council that we had been 'moved' into Central Division. So now we have unknown officers who do not know our area at all in charge. Wow all that learning and explaining to do….. there are now ongoing discussions about this. It is all a mess and things are still not getting done. If anything its worse. I will keep you updated.