Pedestrianisation of parts of Shrewsbury town centre to be trialled
An experimental pedestrianisation of parts of Shrewsbury town centre will be put in place when social distancing measures end on 19 July – helping to ensure that the town remains a welcoming place for pedestrians and cyclists this summer. Under the plans, until 31 October 2021 Wyle Cop (uphill) and High Street will be closed to all traffic between 11am and 4pm on weekends, and closed to all traffic other than buses, taxis and cyclists between 11am and 4pm, Monday to Friday. Currently High Street, Shoplatch and Wyle Cop (uphill) is closed to all traffic from 11am to 4pm each, to encourage social distancing. These changes recognise that as social distancing measures end, access to the High Street for some visitors by bus or taxi is required.

Via Shropshire Council

Shrewsbury bar staff praised for Euro 2020 smoke bomb response
As the game concluded around 11pm on Sunday night one customer at Albert's Shed, in Barker Street, placed a smoke bomb underneath a table before fleeing from the bar. The situation led to the club being evacuated, the police and the fire service called, and now the hunt is on to find the man responsible. Venue owner David Gregg said that the quick-thinking actions of manager Manon Houchett had prevented what could have been a far more serious situation. Ms Houchett found the smoke cannister and she threw it out of the club's fire escape, stopping the venue getting completely filled with blinding smoke. He urged anyone with information to get in touch, saying: "We are asking for any information about who did it with a view to getting them banned."

Via Shropshire Star

Plans to spend £120m extra on road maintenance backed by councillors
The proposals, which would also see £8 million extra spent on highways this year, were voted through at a meeting of the full council on Thursday. Highways officers will now prepare a more detailed report on a costed programme of work, which will come back to members at a future meeting for the final green light. The initial £8m in 2021/22 will be funded by changes to the capital programme – which means taking money from other projects. The final figure could be anywhere between £60m and £120m, with the money to come from other capital budgets or borrowing. Concerns were voiced by opposition members that other services could be impacted by reduced budgets if so much money was redirected to highways.

Via Shropshire Star

Housing plans for former Shrewsbury hotel approved
The Lord Hill Hotel in Abbey Foregate in Shrewsbury is to be reconfigured into three properties, with modern extensions demolished in order to restore the 19th century property to its former glory. Building firm SY Homes, which purchased the hotel following its closure last year, also wants to build flats on the site which will be the subject of later applications. The work to the hotel itself has now been given the green light by Shropshire Council planners, after conservation experts said the project would have a “positive impact” in restoring the historic building and prevent it from falling into disrepair. A separate application for listed building consent has also been approved.

Via Shropshire Star