A CAMPAIGN to “Keep the Heart in Bishop’s Castle” is being launched by the town’s Shropshire county councillor in the face of what he calls a “swingeing round of cuts” proposed by Shropshire Council that would have a severe impact on the town.
This is a revival of a campaign fought in 1995/96 when Bishop’s Castle hit TV and national press with its campaign to save local services. On Valentine’s Day 1995 there was a symbolic ‘breaking of the heart of Bishop’s Castle’ at the Community College.
“This year’s proposals – as usual – impact on the vulnerable and the isolated, “said Cllr Peter Phillips.
“Each may appear to be limited but, cumulatively, their impact on our area will be severe. And we fear worse is to come.”
He claims that services under attack are: Meals on Wheels – reduced; the Mobile Library – scrapped and community skips – discontinued.
Cllr Philips added a claim that county’s cutback of £2m on road maintenance means local roads, in a parlous state, before the severe weather, are now are much worse.
“In January, Coverage Care was told their kitchen contract to supply Meals on Wheels would finish in April… even though the Council doesn’t need to decide this until February 25,” said Cllr Phillips.
The Friends of Bishop’s Castle Community Care Home and Hospital are holding a meeting to discuss the matter on Tuesday at 1.30pm in Bishop’s Castle Methodist Hall.
The Friends will also be manning a stall outside Bishop’s Castle Pharmacy today to collect names on a petition to send to Shropshire Council in time for the Budget Meeting on February 25.
“We want to gather together a forceful and convincing argument in favour of continuing this important service,” said Pat Morrison, chairman of the Friends. “We hope that plenty of people will come and offer their support.”
Deputy Mayor, Cllr Jane Carroll supports the campaign.
She said: “I would think the town council will be with Peter Phillips on this.
“The whole idea of unitary was to pass powers downwards; this hasn’t happened. Most people would rather pay a little bit more in council tax and keep local services.”