Shropshire Review

THAT WAS THE YEAR THAT WAS...

And what a year it’s been. We’ve had recessions, swine ’flu, credit crunch, expenses scandals, war, famine and pestilence – the usual annual mix of triumphs and disasters, but a disproportionate amount of the latter, it seems.

Here in the Bridgnorth district we rub along as usual, but as far as the town itself is concerned there is a little bit of light shining amidst the encircling gloom. The long-overdue initiative to formulate a blueprint for the future appears to have really taken off, thanks to the work of a dedicated group of volunteers determined to push things forward. Mention must be made of the efforts made by the mayor, Councillor Mac Griffiths, and the town clerk, Mrs Rachel Humphries, for kick-starting a process, which should eventually deliver a town plan created by residents rather than bureaucrats and theorists. We have a unique opportunity to write what amounts to our own wish-list, a formula which will give people the power to dictate the shape of their community, its infrastructure, services and environment. As they always say at the call centres, your response is important – if you care about your town, make your views known! 

We have a unique opportunity to write what amounts to our wish-list, a formula which will give people the power to dictate the shape of their community, its infrastructure, services and environment

Still on a positive note, we’re pleased to report that the Shropshire Review celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2009. 

The magazine has been part of the life of the district for a quarter of a century, reporting on local matters and raising awareness of important, frequently contentious issues right from the first. The fact that we’re still here after all this time is entirely due to our advertisers, who have backed us from the beginning. 

In the Review dated November 2004, this very column was warning that individual shops were being driven out by the big chains, turning every High Street in the country into a collection of identical clones. That hasn’t quite happened here yet, but it’s an ever-present danger, and we’d all do well to give our local shops and services all the support they deserve before they’re gone forever. 

With this in mind, may I wish all our advertisers, readers and contributors a merry Christmas and happy New Year on behalf of all of us at the Review. Don’t forget that you can write or e-mail us with your news and views – we’d love to hear from you in 2010.                                                          

Peter Wooldridge
Editor