Councillors in Wem are set to meet next week to decide on how best to put forward to residents a consultation on the town’s future development.

The meeting of the planning and transport committee, at Edinburgh House (6pm), involves all councillors and will discuss future plans for the town, including a potential relief road or bypass.

A potential bypass, which has long been wanted by the council, came to the fore again after transport minister Chris Grayling said there would be money available for towns such as Wem.

They will also discuss Shropshire Council’s preferred options for the amount of development for the 20 years between 2016 and 2036 in the town, and the town’s Place Plan.

Councillors agreed the committee would make the proposals at the full town council meeting last Thursday, and once there is a full agreement, it is believed the consultation would start immediately.

n Meanwhile, at last Thursday’s meeting, councillors supported plans for an extension at 11 Churchill Drive but objected to a similar proposal at an adjacent property in Soulton Crescent because of access issues.

However, it was noted the property owners could sort out access between them for a future application.

n Councillors received an update on the LED light conversion in the town and town clerk, Penny O’Hagan, reported that the work will be completed by January 31 next year, and that there was a six to eight week wait for orders because of specificity of the lights.

The company has also asked for a deposit of around £5,000 – around 10 per cent of the overall cost – to ensure it is not out of pocket as it was asked to pay up front.

Councillors agreed to the request as the company is local and they wanted to support it.

n It was announced the council has to re-submit an application for money towards CCTV from West Mercia Police by the end of this week, with the money requested going toward extending the memory from 14 days to 28.

n Meanwhile, Councillor Pauline Dee, who also sits as a Shropshire representative, confirmed she spoke out in cabinet about cuts to youth funding and that she was joined by other market town representatives.

She said: “There’s plenty of concern across rural areas that young people will be cut off. Yes, the town council supports Wem youth club, but it is worrying.”

n For a full run down of the minutes, go to www.wem.gov.uk