COUNCILLORS in Ellesmere will look to form a letter to Shropshire Council to make parking safer at the Mere after an annual 'walk around town'.

Parking alongside the hugely-popular tourist attraction was raised by Shropshire and Ellesmere town councillor Geoff Elner, who wants to take action against speeding cars as people exit their vehicles.

Cllr Elner told the meeting, at Ellesmere Town Hall on Monday, that it needs to be a long-term issue for the town to address.

He said: "We’ve always had complaints about speeding traffic or people parking in motorcycle bays as not enough bays.

"While parking there may slow down traffic, it’s a hazard and it has caused a number of issues with drivers and cars.

"There are islands to do that.

"Cars are forced to take action because of the parking and I would like us to have a proper look at this.

"It’s not user friendly for anyone – you can’t open the door safely on the road and people are frustrated.

"I would like Shropshire Council to clearly mark those bays and also at some stage look at what we can do to slow down traffic, such as speed bumps.

"We need better signage and better enforcement of parking."

He told the meeting he had already prepared a letter for the council but agreed to defer it until councillors complete their annual walk of the town to highlight any issues.

Other councillors also called for a crossing between the Mere and the plantation, but town clerk Jo Butterworth told the meeting there are plans for one with the Neighbourhood Plan.

Cllr Elner also called for a meeting with Shropshire Council highways once the annual walk is complete.

Meanwhile, Ellesmere town councillors have agreed to carry out a 'tap on the shoulder' approach to recruiting more members to the council.

The council is currently down two councillors, but are now in a position to co-opt, though are short of applications.

It was agreed that councillors will approach 'ideal' people and talking to them to consider applying, while not committing to their guaranteed success, and supply them with application forms.

A longer-term approach of a councillor open day and social media use was also taken on board, but will be utilised after the 'pressgang' approach.