Statement from Peter Nutting, Leader of Shropshire Council

Councillor Peter Nutting

Following recent press reports I would like to clarify that Shropshire Council has absolutely no intention of seeking any amalgamation with Telford and Wrekin Council.

Shropshire Council is a very busy council with a great record of providing top level adult and children’s social services and has a variety of capital projects in the pipeline. The council is working hard to ensure that economic development is a priority in the county so as to maintain the high levels of employment currently enjoyed.

Shropshire is unique, with huge amounts of green open space and many delightful market towns, but it has very little in common with the Telford area. Telford has its own character but it is different to Shropshire and there seems little logic in trying to join the two areas under one umbrella.

The two councils do work together behind the scenes providing some joint services, including fire and rescue, but the current arrangements work extremely well and there is no intention to extend that relationship in any way. There are some areas of disagreement, including the future of health and hospital services, but I can see no benefit in trying to force the two councils together.

Shropshire Council will resist any attempt to encourage them to join with Telford and Wrekin Council.

Peter Nutting
Leader of Shropshire Council