WHITCHURCH Town Council has co-opted another councillor, with pub landlord David Wiles receiving a majority vote at last week’s meeting.

Councillor Wiles, who took over the recently-refurbished Wheatsheaf in Green End last year, will join the council at its December meeting.

Meanwhile, councillors agreed to pay for a television licence for Centre North East, which is the town’s youth club.

It was also proposed to support plans for repairs to a play area in Gambrell Avenue.

Cllr Terry O’Neill, who chairs the committee overseeing parks and open spaces, told the meeting that current partners Norbridge want to make the repairs as a winter project.

However, Cllr Alan Chesters told the meeting that three quotes must be sourced, as per guidelines, though he supported making the repairs.

Councillors decided to recommend the removal of two of the three phone boxes in the town, as per Shropshire Council’s ongoing consultation, leaving one by the rail station for commuters.

Cllr Chesters, who chairs the council’s finance committee, told members there were issues with VAT for the council, which could lead to them charging VAT on room or service hire.

It was also announced  there will be a regular item on the council’s full meeting agenda concerning future medical provision in the town, following the recent closure and opening of Richmond House Surgery and Claypit Street Medical Centre, respectively.