Calls for council to fund major Whitchurch projects

Calls have been made for Shropshire Council to put up funds for two major schemes in Whitchurch.

The town’s three unitary councillors have requested investment from the authority in a new swimming pool to replace the current out-dated facility, and more car parking for the new medical centre at Pauls Moss.

Councillor Tom Biggins took the opportunity to put the town’s case directly to leader Peter Nutting when the full council met on Thursday to sign off its 2021/22 budget.

Councillor Biggins said: “On behalf of all the Whitchurch members, I would like to say how delighted we are that Shropshire Council has allocated £4.8 million in the financial strategy for the much-needed Pauls Moss medical centre.

“This modern facility will have the ability to meet the growing needs of Whitchurch amd the surrounding countryside, and it will attract new doctors into the town.

“I do believe that we need more off-street car parking spaces for the new medical centre, over and above those that have been provided for in the planning permission.

“I’m therefore asking that additional monies are found in due course to achieve this, with possibly the view to buying a neighbouring property.”

The scheme also includes a supported living complex and conversion of the Pauls Moss building into a community hub. Shropshire Council’s actions in granting planning permission for the development were backed by a high court judge last month following a judicial review.

Councillor Nutting said: “We are looking at Pauls Moss, we have had conversations about the potential to include extra car parking around the site or nearby and that will be progressed.

“It’s a joint scheme with Wrekin Housing and the NHS so we are talking to other people to see how that could or couldn’t be financed and what can be done to help, because I do accept the idea that there could be a lot of pressure on car parking in the area.”

Turning to the swimming pool, Councillor Biggins said: “This has been closed for some time due to the pandemic. It also has a leak and the building can’t be adapted for social distancing.

“It’s vitally important to have good, fully-functioning leisure facilities close to home.

“Repair work will begin soon on the pool with plans for reopening when lockdown eases.

“However, as local members we would like to put down a marker that – like Shrewsbury – Whitchurch will require funding to build a new facility in the not too distant future.”

The pool has been subject to a campaign in recent months launched by residents concerned that the prolonged closure could become permanent. But the council has maintained that swimming provision will not be taken away from the town.

Councillor Nutting said: “I’m no expert, but I think we probably will end up having to have a completely new swimming pool in Whitchurch within the next few years.”