The mayor of Wem is urging residents to get behind a vital consultation process which will set out the town’s future – including a potential relief road – over the next 20 years.

The council wants residents’ views on three major issues – housing, the relief road and infrastructure priorities – to help form its response to Shropshire Council’s Local Plan Review.

Councillor Edward Towers believes this is a huge opportunity for the people in the town to set the ball rolling and make massive, positive changes to Wem.

“It’s a critical moment for the town and we have got to get a steer from the people of Wem as to the way we’re moving forward,” he said.

“I hope it’s a positive direction for us. We’ve been blocked by not having the capacity in the past but this consultation is a positive step.

“Now we can start putting together something positive for the town. We can then hopefully use something that’s individual or unique to Wem.

“I don’t want it to be a revolution but, with the consultation, want it to evolve.

“Everywhere is full – the schools and the like – and we’ve reached capacity but this gives us the chance to show Shropshire Council we have the opportunity to grow our town.

“I urge everyone to get involved. We need to have a massive response to this and all households will receive it.

“All 14 councillors will be out delivering these and we want them to be returned to us.”

All residents will receive a survey through their door in the next two weeks and everyone is urged to fill it out and return it to the following locations: Wem Town Hall, Edinburgh House Reception and Wem Library.

The closing date to receive completed surveys is December 4, and there will be a meeting of the town council’s Planning and Transport Committee on Monday, December 18 at 6pm in the Roden Suite, Edinburgh House, New Street, Wem, to consider the results of the survey and form the town council’s response.

This meeting will be open to the press and public.

n For details visit ww.wem.gov.uk