Wem Town Council will seek to join with other bodies from the old North Shropshire District Council to complain to Shropshire Council over parking charges.

The move was announced at Thursday's full council meeting by town clerk Penny O'Hagan, who told the meeting that towns in south Shropshire have a much better deal compared to towns in the north, with lower charges despite more people.

Councillors agreed with the clerk, who believes that a joint letter between old north Shropshire District Council towns – including Whitchurch, Ellesmere and Market Drayton – complaining about disproportionate parking charges compared to large and more populated towns in south Shropshire.

Mrs O'Hagan added that she had already had a verbal agreement with the clerk from Whitchurch.

Meanwhile, councillors agreed to transfer funds for a permanent base for a beacon on the recreation ground from the Diamond Jubilee Steering Committee at Wem Rural Council to the Wem Sports and Social Association.

A request was made by Councillor Edward Towers, in his role as chairman of the steering committee, for the money, which was earmarked for putting the permanent beacon site, to be switched to Wem Town Council but it was agreed among councillors that as the negotiations for the site have always been between WSSA and Wem Rural, the money should be moved into that account.

It was also added that the any future negotiations will be between the committee and WSSA.

The councillors added that the money would be ringfenced in the WSSA's budget.

In other items, councillors agreed to a new tenant agreement for Wem's Allotments.

Mrs O'Hagan told councillors that the current set-up means that if the town council wishes to do anything with the allotments, such as a rent increase, they have to serve 12 months notice, meaning they could need to plan two years in advance.

She added: "Rents will now be reviewed annually as per advice from the allotment association. There is greater clarity of what allotments are for e.g. fruit/veg and flowers for domestic consumption.

"Shrubs can be used too but not for sale while tenants will be told to keep weeds out and keep up to a good cultivation standards.

"Tenants will also need written permission for permanent structures such as polytunnels.

"Other aspects of no gritting or encouraging stout footwear etc is all written into the agreement therefore reducing risk to council from accidents.

"There will also be a sign too. A letter will go out to tenants with a newsletter to explain the changes."

Councillors will also set up a working group on collating information on poor pavements in the town to be referred to Shropshire Council.