Delegates from the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) visited Shrewsbury recently to share best practice in services and governance.
Members of the Larger Councils Committee were treated to a whistle-stop tour of Shrewsbury, including the Quarry & Dingle, the Town Council’s Weeping Cross Centre and the Market Hall, to gain an insight into some of the issues faced by larger councils.
Shrewsbury Town Council is one of the largest grassroots councils in the country, serving a population of more than 70,000 people and managing a budget of around £3.5 million.
Mayor of Shrewsbury, Councillor Beverley Baker, said: “We were delighted to welcome the Larger Councils Committee to Shrewsbury and to be able to give a brief insight into how the Town Council functions. The visit not only gave us the opportunity to share our best practice, but also to identify how NALC as our important national body can help support its largest members.”
Councillor Ken Cleary MBE, Chairman of NALC’s Larger Councils’ Committee said: “Shrewsbury Town Council are a shining example of how effective and forward thinking large parish councils are making such a big difference to local people.
“The Town Council already has a national reputation for the services they provide, particularly their work to improve quality of life and support the local economy. Quality and excellence are hardwired into the Town Council’s DNA and we saw this in evidence today.”
“We’ve also been impressed by the ‘team Shrewsbury’ approach and the Town Council’s partnerships with such a wide range of organisations such as Shropshire Council.”
The National Association of Local Councils represents the interests of 9,000 town and parish councils in England.