Bus Services

Remember to take part in the consultation that Shropshire Council is running on cutting back more of our bus services. The Monty Bus is safe (for now!) but they are looking to cut back services on the Shrewsbury - Bishops Castle route. If you know anyone who uses this bus, tell them to take part in the consultation on Shropshire Council's website: https://shropshire.gov.uk/get-involved/reduction-of-local-bus-service-subsidies-financial-year-201920/

SOCIAL EXCLUSION WARNING OVER BUS ROUTES THREAT

Heather and her Lib Dem Colleagues Jonny Keeley and Nigrl Hartin have asked Shropshire Council to rule our further cuts in bus services to the very rural parts of the County as the Council launches a consultation on the future our buses.

Bishops Castle Councillor, Jonny Keeley, said: "First the Council strips away essential services claiming we can travel to use these in larger towns, then they propose to considerably reduce our bus service which will isolate people and reduce options for commuters, students and hospital visits.

Housing needs survey for the Chirbury & Worthen area

This is for anyone who may need a home in the next few years.

A bungalow? A 2 or 3 bedroom home to buy? A family home to rent? This is for you, your family and friends from our area.

Homes across Chirbury and Worthen Division started receiving housing needs forms today. These are for everyone to fill in if you need housing now or know you will in the next few years. That's homes to buy and rent! if you have family who want to move back here get them to fill it in too! THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT - WE CAN'T MAKE DEVELOPERS BUILD THE RIGHT HOUSING UNLESS WE KNOW WHAT YOU ALL NEED!

ANGER AS PLANNING TRANSPARENCY MOTION BLOCKED

Heather Kidd has condemned the Tory Administration for block a motion that would have made planning decisions across the County more open and transparent.

Heather said "This was pure tribalism on the part of the ruling Conservative group. One of the biggest complaints voiced by residents at the moment is the secretive, inconsistent manner in which Shropshire Council deals with planning applications. People, Parish Council and Councillors alike are incensed that there is no effective way to have an input into the planning process

Shropshire Council has 3 types of settlement in their review of where to build houses in our area. These are

1. i) 'Hubs' - Chirbury, Brockton and Worthen,
2. ii) 'Clusters which are settlements which have opted to have some housing (usually in no more than 2's or 3's and

iii) 'Open countryside' everywhere else which will have no housing except - very possibly -affordable rented homes.

Dear All

Having chased this again today I have found that most officers are out of office but I have now had a conversation with The Community College in Bishop's Castle, the Chirbury school mini bus driver and the man in charge of the work set by Severn Trent.

I have found the following:

• They had no idea that a simple diversion for the BC school bus was not possible. I did go through that with them in detail and that this was definitely a 40 seater.
• The law change in 2017 means they do not have to compensate a bus company for a road closure. I explained in strong detail that this was a rural bus company and that neither they nor the Council were in a financial position to put on the required minibus for around 4 weeks.
• They will try to have the road open between 8am and 5pm. That's not too helpful but better than not.
• It may be possible for anyone needing to get the mini bus for Chirbury at Middleton Farm. To be confirmed.
• There should be access to frontages but again the detail is to be decided.
• They are trying to put a meeting together with me, Highways, Permitting and Severn Trent and the works contractor. This will be asap.
• If this all fails I will do them in the press.
• The Weston Bank works are due from 27^th of May for 5 weeks. The road closure notice headline was wrong. They have promised to go and talk to the Miners Arms and will put up business as usual signs. More on this nearer the time. It will not be actually closed there in this period in February and March.