Council to stop running Shropshire working farm

[zenfootball2]

It has been under threat for some time and in the current economic climate it is no suprise, but it is a shame as it kept many nearly lost skills alive. 

www.shropshirestar.com/entertainment/attractions/2022/12/19/council-confirms-decision-to-stop-running-long-standing-historic-visitor-attraction/


"The farm, which demonstrates historic farming techniques, has been closed since June last year.

It will now return to the landowner, The Acton Scott Estate, which has said it will keep people informed of plans for the site, and when it will reopen.

Councillor Rob Gittins, Shropshire Council's cabinet member responsible for culture, said the site was losing £168,000 a year – costing the authority £8.40 per visitor.
Shropshire Council held a public consultation on its future and the recommendation to surrender the lease was approved at the council’s cabinet meeting on December 14."




Nine years ago we were subsidising the Theater Severn by £340,000
www.shropshirestar.com/news/2013/04/22/taxpayers-hit-by-340000-bill-for-shrewsburys-theatre-severn/

[martinshrew]

Went there on a school trip many moons ago.

[barrynic]

Shropshire Council now seems incapable of running a raffle.

[staffordshrew]

Perhaps they have designs on buying a shopping centre. That always goes well

[staffordshrew]

lib dems have flexed their muscles and "called in" the decision.  Seems ending the lease early would cost the council "in excess of £500,000"  (Are the council fit for purpose to run a council?).

www.shropshirestar.com/news/local-hubs/south-shropshire/church-stretton/2022/12/28/500000-decision-for-council-to-stop-running-historic-farm-suspended-as-group-claim-it-is-undervalued/

[frankwellshrews]

I guess the thought process is weighing up a £500k fee now vs 16 years of accumulated losses.

With regard to the comparison with the theatre, is there that much economic knock on effect from the farm? The flood defences and theatre basically regenerated a whole area of the council area's biggest town. Not sure you can say the same about the farm.

[rob62]

Rapidly losing confidence in the current administration. Seems to be a series of poorly thought out decisions.
Glad the Lib Dems who are the official opposition on Shropshire Council want the issue reconsidered