ELLESMERE Town Council says it will hold a public meeting to attract more feedback over potential plans to lease or sell its civic building.

A public consultation into the idea closed on Friday, April 5 and councillors with officers have now begun the process of collating the information, it was announced at April’s full town council meeting on Monday.

Councillor Anne Wignall, chairing her last meeting before completing her two-year term as mayor, proposed that more information – potentially in the style of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – be sent out to residents.

OTHER NEWS:

Cllr Wignall explained that her suggestion of another published statement was because of the criticism the council had received over a perceived lack of information.

She told the meeting that not everyone will have seen the original statement from Ellesmere Town Council; however, town clerk Joanne Butterworth reminded the meeting that it was published to social media, local press and three prominent public spaces.

Cllr Geoff Elner – also a Shropshire member – said that a public meeting was required to give people the space to debate and listen to those for and against the idea, which could see the town council move to the old Ellesmere library, also in Victoria Street. 

This would be facilitated by the sale of lease of the town hall, in Willow Street, to anyone wishing to take it on.

Cllr Wignall also highlighted concerns featured in the feedback from the consultation, including fears over the future for staff members, whether a covenant is adhered to and that a lease would be preferable over a sale.

Miss Butterworth added that figures on town council expenditure for the last five years on the building will be included in the public statement and further confirmed that two weeks’ notice would be needed to call the meeting.

Get in touch

Share your views on this story by sending a letter to the editor. To get in touch email news@bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk, or fill in the form on this section of our website.

Councillors also expressed minor disappointment over some of the reactions expressed on social media concerning the statement and reiterated there were no plans to close the hall.

All councillors present agreed to the public statement and a public meeting, with a date to be confirmed.

Meanwhile, councillors also agreed to a quote of £350 for a valuation of the building to be undertaken, using a lot of pre-established details.