Shropshire Review

END OF AN ERA

So it’s goodbye at last to Westgate. After 35 years, Bridgnorth District Council which has played such a major, if largely unseen, part in the lives of local householders, is no more.

Over the years, the authority has had its share of tragedy and triumph, swinging between high achievements and low farce

Its departure will engender mixed feelings for most of us. Over the years, the authority has had its share of tragedy and triumph, swinging between high achievements and low farce. On occasions the council chamber has, in the past, resembled a bear pit, with our elected representatives exchanging insults and personal abuse in a most undemocratic manner. And the ill-conceived second supermarket scheme, a project enthusiastically backed by the then planning hierarchy which would have allowed Tesco to build an enormous store on the site of the Smithfield car park in Bridgnorth, reflected badly on the ability of the authority to set short term gain against long-term consequences. Some blatant political manoeuvring to push through a decision to approve the move to unitary status without public consultation also reflected less than creditably upon those responsible.

But these things were all resolved in the fullness of time. The Tesco plan was dropped, thanks to public pressure and the efforts of some far-sighted councillors, the unitary issue was resolved and the bear-pit gradually became more of a debating chamber and less of a public embarrassment.

A raft of improvements and amenities included the provision of the Leisure Centre, RAF Museum, Severn Valley County Park and Severn Centre at Highley

These things aside, the achievements of the council far outweigh the negatives. A raft of
improvements and amenities included the provision of the Leisure Centre, RAF Museum, Severn Valley Country Park, Severn Centre at Highley and in a final triumphant swan song, the opening of the Whitburn Street relief road, all pointing to an organisation where staff and councillors alike have worked hard to fulfil their commitments. The outgoing administration has been commended for consistently topping league tables for performance, and there’s no doubt that the elected members - many of whom are veterans of many years service - have shown real dedication in the often thankless, frequently tedious job of serving the public in this capacity. Whatever your feelings regarding this particular form of local government, thanks are due for a job well done.

As to the future, elections will soon be held for seats on the new unitary authority, Shropshire Council. There’s no doubt that the majority of people, in the Bridgnorth district and elsewhere,
were opposed to this change of regime, but the government was in no mood to listen to arguments, preferring to oil the wheels of change with the promise of massive cash injections to aid the transition. So it’s unitary for us, and only time will tell if the new system, which combines local and county in one authority, is better. However, many of the doubters’ concerns appear to
have been addressed, with assurances from the interim administration that there will be better access to services, enhanced communication with council departments and a programme of regular consultations at local level to
determine needs and priorities.

On 4 June polls will open to elect councillors to represent us within the new authority. More than ever before, it’s essential that people in the Bridgnorth district make the effort to get out and vote. No matter what your political colour, it’s vital that the person chosen to serve your community does so through the wishes of a majority rather than being shunted into office by the committed handful who could be bothered to go to the polls.

This is probably the most important local election we shall ever see, setting as it does the future pattern of local government in Shropshire. Don’t let other people choose your councillor - do it yourself! Get out and make your vote count on 4 June.

Peter Wooldridge
Editor