SHROPSHIRE COUNCIL: Local Joint Committees (Oswestry Liberal Democrats)

Oswestry Liberal Democrats <info@oswestrylibdems.org.uk>

SHROPSHIRE COUNCIL: Local Joint Committees

August 1, 2009 12:00 AM
Originally published by Wrekin and Telford Liberal Democrats

In the elections for 74 councillors on the new Shropshire (unitary) Council, the Conservatives gained 54 seats, the Liberal Democrats 11, Labour 7 and Independents 2. The new Leader of the Shropshire Council is Keith Barrow from Oswestry, with Peter Nutting from Shrewsbury and Cecilia Motley from Corvedale in South Shropshire as deputies. Malcolm Pate, the previous Leader of the County Council from the Albrighton division, has taken over the role of Chairman.

Within The Wrekin part of the old Bridgnorth District Council, Gordon Tonkinson was elected for Shifnal North; Stuart West for Shifnal South & Cosford; and Malcolm Pate for Albrighton. The new Shropshire Council has set up 28 Local Joint Committees in the county; one of which covers the whole of Shifnal & Sheriffhales; and one covers the four parish councils that were in the Albrighton county division - Tong, Donington with Boscobel, Albrighton & Boningale. Gordon Tonkinson and Malcolm Pate chair their respective LJCs, while Stuart West serves on both committees.

Each LJC will have its own budget to spend on community projects. This year, Albrighton has £21,000 and Shifnal £24,000, based on the size of the local population. All the meetings will be open to members of the public, who will be able to put forward proposals for projects in their own locality, and comment on proposals from others. Full details of how to apply for funds, with the relevant terms and conditions, can be obtained from the elected members.

In the European elections, 2 Conservatives, 2 UKIP, 1 Labour & 1 Liberal Democrat were elected for the West Midlands. Liz Lynne was re-elected as the Liberal Democrat MEP and will be continuing to campaign on behalf of the region from her office in Stratford-upon-Avon.