The Issues

The Role and Needs of a County Town

A county town can, if it so wishes, represent only the 'symbolic rights of history'. There are some county towns in both England and Wales where the role of such towns within the business of the county has become exactly that - is there a danger of that happening to Shrewsbury with the evolution of Telford? Many of its original traditional functions have been taken over by more modern recent towns within the county - sounds familiar! It is my contention that this Council does not wish to see such a situation happening in Shropshire and wishes Shrewsbury to carry out its full role as the county town of Shropshire.

The question needs to be asked therefore as to what is the role of a county town in the early years of the 21^st century and equally importantly for the rest of the 21^st century.

It is difficult to research any definition of such a role, but numerous authors suggest that the role and needs of a county town revolve around the following, amongst others:-

• history
• pride in
• sense of belonging to
• focal point
• centre of attraction for both work and play
• provision of services and attractions
• quality of life
• national identity
• mix of cultures
• where country meets town

All these considerations put together in various packages and with the emphasis placed in different areas as appropriate to the county amount to a traditional county town. It is suggested that Shrewsbury has great strengths in some of these areas, but weaknesses in others. It is particularly the areas of Shrewsbury being the:-

• centre of attraction for work and play
• centre for the provision of services/attractions
• and offering a high quality of life (in its widest sense)

for all age groups that this report attempts to address. It also addresses the opportunity at the same time to brand the town from a visitor perspective and link up the attractions for visitor and resident alike.

The Role of a Local Authority in a County Town in helping satisfy such needs and expectations and to add value

The role of a local authority can vary enormously between different authorities, in different roles, in different areas. The role of a local authority is now enshrined in the power of wellbeing vested in it. Traditionally the local authority identifies 'gaps' in provision of facilities where neither the private nor voluntary sector will enter. More and more private and public monies are being mixed to achieve agreed objectives in the 21^st century.

However, the role of a local authority in a county town can and frequently does transcend provision for local need. It does so to enhance/reinforce its position as the county town. This different level of provision, strategic planning and management covers many spheres as well as leisure, culture and tourism. It is evident in many county towns in its planning policies, economic development policies and housing policies.

The wish of this Council to be involved in this positive way has been established. It is now a matter of delivery. What is certain is that the opportunity currently available will never present itself again. SABC has monies, has the will, has the necessary land, has the management potential, has the product. The time is ripe therefore for this huge investment in the town to take place