Councillors in Wem have unanimously opposed plans for a 50-bed residential care home in Mill Street.

The plans, submitted by the Millhouse Group, are for a two-block home with 50 en-suite bedrooms, 32 in one block and 18 in the other.

It is claimed it would create 17 jobs and provide another care home, two years after Westlands Care Home closed. But councillors were strongly against the development at their full town council meeting last Thursday.

Town mayor Cllr Edward Towers led the opposition, with fellow councillors stating it should be rejected on aesthetic grounds. The potential knock-on effect to residents in Roden Grove where there is a flooding risk was also raised along with fears over inability to get insurance.

Other councillors were worried about pollution and an adverse impact on the local conservation area and wildlife.

Shropshire councillor Chris Mellings felt it was a poor design, failed the sequential test and said there is no clear evidence the residential block was needed.

They voted to oppose the development, which Shropshire Council hopes to decide on before the end of September.

Neighbours are asked to submit their views on the application by Friday, July 21.

Wem clean-up bid

Residents of Wem are being urged to get out and help with a Community Clean-Up on Saturday. The event is to give the town a spruce-up before the Eckford Sweet Pea Show and the Vehicles of Interest weekend the following week.

Volunteers interested in picking up litter and cleaning pathways, among other jobs, should report to Edinburgh House, in New Street, for 9am on Saturday.

All ages are welcome but children must be accompanied by an adult. Equipment will be provided but volunteers are asked to take along their own gloves.

For more information, email sonia.kizito@shropshire.gov.uk

Waymills CrossFit plans

Plans to bring exercise classes to a unit at Waymills Industrial Estate in Whitchurch have been revealed.

Applicant David Wilson hopes to convert the space at Digital Court, which is currently being used as an e-shop, to carry out health-and-safety consultancy, as well as running CrossFit classes.

A decision is expected from Shropshire Council by August 24.