31/01/2022 - Permalink

Suggestions sought for future of Acton Scott Farm

Related topics: Leisure, culture and heritage / Partner organisations

Ideas and suggestions to help shape the future of Acton Scott Historic Working Farm near Craven Arms and Church Stretton are being sought, as Shropshire Council invites interested parties to share their views online or in person.

The museum welcomes approximately 20,000 visitors a year, but the much-loved attraction is no longer considered to be financially sustainable by the council, and Shropshire Council is working with the Acton Scott Estate to find an alternative operating model that provides a sustainable future.

Acton Scott Farm consultation survey graphic

Acton Scott Farm consultation survey

Acton Scott Historic Working Farm is highly regarded by both Shropshire residents and visitors, but currently trades at a deficit.

It was the vision of Thomas Acton, who established the museum to demonstrate historic farming techniques; and has been operated by Shropshire Council, as tenants of the Acton Scott Estate, since the 1970s.

Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for communities, culture, leisure and tourism, and transport, said:-

“The museum welcomes approximately 20,000 visitors a year, but budget restrictions regrettably mean the much-loved attraction is no longer considered to be financially sustainable. Shropshire Council is working with the Acton Scott Estate to find an alternative operating model that provides a sustainable future.

“We are actively seeking ideas from supporters, stakeholders and the local community, which we hope will assist the Acton Scott Estate as it considers possible alternative uses for the site.”

Shropshire Council has produced an information pack outlining the situation, and wishes to understand:

  • options for viable alternative uses of the site
  • options for alternative organisations who are interested in operating the site
  • visitors’ perceptions of the farm, and the services it offers.

Shropshire Council is also hosting an online survey for feedback, open until Monday 14 March 2022. This can be found here: www.shropshire.gov.uk/get-involved/acton-scott-historic-working-farm-survey-2022/

A hard copy of the information pack, along with copies of the survey, is also be available at all Shropshire libraries.

In addition, people can contact Shropshire Council about this issue, or request a hard copy or a large format survey form to be sent to them by post, by writing to Acton Scott Engagement, Acton Scott Historic Working Farm, Acton Scott, Church Stretton, SY6 6QN, or by emailing actonscottengagement@shropshire.gov.uk

The findings from the survey and stakeholder meetings will be put into a report, which will be shared with Shropshire Council’s Cabinet, the Acton Scott Estate and published online.

In order to ensure a detailed and constructive dialogue with many different supporters, a series of stakeholder-specific meetings will also be held in February 2022 either online or face-to-face.