ELLESMERE Town Council's concerns over plans to evolve Ellesmere Boat Yard into a tourism hub remain following a presentation outlining potential plans.

The boat yard, located to the south of the town centre along the canal, is currently used as a local operating base for the Canal & River Trust (CRT) and occasionally hosts heritage open days.

The plans from the CRT are to develop the site into a hub for local businesses as well as linking the site to the town.

At Ellesmere Town Council's full council meeting, held virtually on Monday, March 1, Ruth Essex, from the boat yard, spoke to councillors about amending the Ellesmere Place Plan and potential plans for the summer.

"I've been working with the CRT to help develop a slightly different future for Ellesmere Boat Yard as it needs to be used in different ways," said Ruth. "The processes we're undergoing, we've been working on this for the last year, but we've obviously been hindered.

"We invited people to the site and host events and come up with ideas, but what we have done is brought together an internal team within the CRT.

"We have a number of people putting in an identity for the site.

"What we're now aiming towards, it's not just about the building, it's about the couple of fields next to the yards that are owned by the CRT and we still want to develop that.

"We're at a stage where we want to develop a programme this summer and as soon as possible we'd like to safely get people to use and test ideas on the site."

Ruth explained how two parties were already interested in using the site, including a blacksmith and a water sports firm.

"First, you might know the blacksmith, he's quite keen to expand what he does and expand into education," added Ruth. "We've been working on a business plan for him.

"The other business idea that's come forward is to test and trial water sports business there.

"We were approached by two brothers that live locally, they both studied environmental studies in outdoor education, they've both worked as outdoor instructors and they're setting up a business doing paddle boarding and they'd like to bring that to Ellesmere.

"They're the two things you might see develop this summer.

"What we're trying to support is local business and local artists to support this place and start using it."

Councillors discussed the presentation from Ruth, airing concerns over the 'lack of impression' for the site.

Councillor Ryan Hartley said he liked the idea but was unsure if the CRT would have the funds to cover it.

"She didn't give much of an impression of things moving forward, basically because nobody's come up with any cash," said Cllr Hartley. "I can't see them getting any money, they're not getting any from Shropshire Council and we haven't got any.

"It's a wonderful idea as if it was developed it would bring people through the town.

"The blacksmith came when they were discussing the plans years ago, it was one of the first moves to get the ball rolling, he's been there years.

"It would be lovely for it to be done but I have my doubts there is anyone there with enough fundraising ability.

"It'll cost a fortune to build a bridge over the canal.

"It needs to go in the [place] plan, it doesn't cost anything to put it in the plan."

Cllr Nick Cull expressed his concerns that the plans would damage the heritage of the site.

"It's a pretty poor sales pitch," said Cllr Cull.

"I understand trying to do other things, that's fine, but I just think we're going to lose it as a heritage site and I think we should convey it to the CRT, who have got a bit of cash, that they should be paying more attention to it than they are currently."

Councillors also discussed the possibility of steering the CRT towards promoting and preserving the site's heritage and history.

Cllr Ali Devismes said it was important to 'strike a balance'.

"I think it's important to have that site to draw the young people in to keep the heritage site," she said.

"I think it's got to be a balance really."

Cllr Hartley used the nearby National Trust home Erddig as an example of how the site could be run.

"Erddig is a good example of how something like this could be done, it should be like a working museum," he said. "They have got so much history [at the boat yard] but that seems to have gone out the window.

"There are so many things that you could get going up there that are related to the canal."

Cllr Geoff Elner proposed a separate meeting with Ruth to discuss their views.

"I do think we need to have a separate meeting," he said. "None of us are impressed or enthused so I propose we have a meeting with her and tell her our views.

"I think this town council should guide and help that lady with her quest.

"If we want that building to work we need to help her."

Councillors supported Cllr Elner's proposal to hold a steering meeting.