24/05/2022 - Permalink

Meet the Leader event welcomed in Market Drayton

Related topics: Community / Democracy / Highways, transport and environmental maintenance

Public transport, sports facilities and the preservation of Walkmill Meadows were top of the agenda for residents in Market Drayton when they met with the Leader of Shropshire Council, Lezley Picton, last week (Thursday 19 May 2022).

A total of 15 residents attended Lezley’s Meet the Leader event which took place at the Town Hall, all of whom were eager to talk to her about their ideas and the things that matter to them.

Lezley Picton meeting Market Drayton residents at the event

Lezley Picton meets Market Drayton residents at the event

The event also offered those attending a chance to see the council’s new proposals for improving transport, travel and public spaces in the town, and to meet the team behind the proposals.

Lezley said:-

“My Meet the Leader event in Market Drayton last week was the busiest one yet. Over the three hours, me and local Shropshire Councillor Ian Nellins spoke to 15 people. It was unfortunate that I wasn’t able to stay longer.

“It was great to see so many faces and hear people’s ideas and concerns, which mainly centred around public transport, sports facilities and the preservation of Walkmill Meadows.

“There are so many passionate people in the town who are keen to find solutions and make things better, and I’m confident that we can, together.

“We’ve gathered so much information which has been carefully noted down and will be actioned as appropriate.”

People at Meet the Leader in Market Drayton

The well-attended Meet The Leader event in Market Drayton

Ian Nellins, local Shropshire Councillor for Market Drayton West, added:-

“I was very pleased that residents took the opportunity to raise issues with the Leader. The points made were all relevant, well prepared and communicated.

“The challenge now is to set the conditions to bring results on the main issues, in particular public transport and improved sports facilities.

“The initial interaction on the Future Connectivity Plan is also encouraging, and I very much hope that more residents will participate in the consultation over the next few weeks. Market Drayton residents appreciate that Lezley came to listen to their issues and I’m sure she will be back in a few months for another visit.”

The council’s consultation on its proposals for improving transport, travel and public spaces in the town is open until early next month. People can find out more about this here: https://shropshire.gov.uk/get-involved/market-drayton-future-connectivity-plan/

Meet the Leader is part of a series of sessions taking place all over the county, offering residents the chance to ask questions and raise any concerns with Lezley herself.

The next session will be in Bishop’s Castle on Wednesday 13 July 2022, although the time and location is yet to be confirmed.

Lezley added:-

“Meet the Leader is proving to be a great way of getting out to meet people within their community and hear first-hand what really matters to them.

“It’s also a great way of building relationships and making sure that we work together to find solutions.

“I look forward to seeing you at my next event.”