CCTV and lighting raised in park revamp meeting

Improved lighting and CCTV, better toilets and a permanent area for concerts were just some of the ideas put forward regarding the future use of Shrewsbury's Quarry park.

It comes after the public were invited to share their thoughts about Shrewsbury's Quarry park at the town council's annual meeting.

Architecture practices Camlins and BCHN have joined forces with consultancy firm Berrys to create a management plan for the town centre park.

"Lighting and CCTV was mentioned by nearly everyone, and making sure the river is safe to go swimming," said Paul Shirley Smith, landscape director at Camlins.

He added: "Some people also think more dogs should be on leads, and people need to be considerate around cyclists.

"Some people even thought there should be a separate cycle path."

The Quarry spans 29 acres next to the River Severn, and has been the focal point of a host of different activities and events.

This has included the town's annual 10k run and food festival, weekly parkrun and concerts.

"[Shrewsbury Town Council] are bringing in many local consultants who have a real interest in this town," said Helen Ball, the clerk at the town council.

Ball said the pathways are wearing out, while the park is also prone to flooding.

"The banks of the river are degrading significantly, we have toilets in the play areas that's stood in floodwater for quite a long time, and there's a cost there with the increase in maintenance," she said.

Councillor Rob Wilson, leader of the town council, added that people mentioned about a play area being placed near Quarry Lodge.

"There were lots of ideas about how it can be special and how it can made into a bespoke play area," he said.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

Correction 11 May: The headline in a previous version of this article stated that CCTV was a priority for residents. It also stated in the article that residents had unanimously called for better lighting and CCTV. We have amended the article to make clear that CCTV and improved lighting were some of the things discussed by residents and have removed a reference to this being unanimously called for.

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