A MULTI-million pound infrastructure development for north Shropshire could have a negative impact on Wem's traffic, the town's Civic Society has warned.

Plans for the £87 million Shrewsbury North West Relief Road were submitted to Shropshire Council planners on February 19, with hopes that the seven-mile stretch of the new A53 will be open by the end of 2023.

Shropshire Council say the new road will provide a new, single carriageway road linking the northern and western parts of Shrewsbury.

But at this year's annual general meeting (AGM), members of the Civic Society expressed concerns that the road may have an impact on local traffic.

Currently the B5476 connects Wem directly to Shrewsbury, joining the A528 at Harmer Hill, which in turn will connect to the new relief road.

With this new road providing easier links to the northern and western areas of Shrewsbury, Civic Society chairman Shelagh Richardson shared members' concerns that this may result in more traffic travelling through Wem, as well as the impact on the environment.

"A response is being discussed by members to the North West Relief Road," said Shelagh.

"There are concerns as to whether more traffic will be directed through Wem.

"The financial implications, given that the government's contribution to the scheme is capped, the ecological impact, and the damage to archaeological remains, are also causes for concern and discussion.

"Volunteers needed to scan the 600+ documents related to the planning application."

Meanwhile the Civic Society also discussed the recent Asset of Community Value application for the Mill Fields by Wem Town Council and the future of Wem Library.

Regarding the plans for the Mill Fields, Shelagh said members believed the area should remain open and undeveloped.

"Members strongly support the need for this area to remain as an open space offering a green refuge for all, whether people, animals or plants," said Shelagh.

"Many emphasised the ecological and archaeological importance of the site and told of the number of groups and individuals who have made use of the land over the last decades.

"The Society has long opposed development of this area because it is associated with the site of the medieval Shrewsbury Gate and we have long argued that the town's medieval gates should remain undeveloped.

"Members are involved with the work of the Wem Climate Emergency group and fully supportive of Wem Town Council's attempt to preserve the site as an Asset of Community Value."

On the issue of Wem Library, Shelagh said members believe Shropshire council should do more to protect the library.

"The lease on the building housing the library runs out next year," said Shelagh.

"Shropshire Council's plans for the service are causing concern among members.

"The library service is essential to the town for access to all forms of media and information and the provision of a neutral public space.

"It needs to be sited on the high street with adequate and appropriate opening hours to ensure the optimum footfall for Wem.

"Alternative sites for the library suggested were the old NatWest building or the White Horse.

"The Society has frequently suggested that Shropshire Council purchase the latter building to create community space on the ground floor and to develop the upper floor to create an income stream for the council."