Forest Glen site deal concluded

11.24.50pm GMT Thu 25th Nov 2004

It has just been announced by the Shropshire Wildlife Trust, that agreement has been reached to buy the Forest Glen site at The Wrekin from the receivers of the failed Miras group. It is emphasised that this is only the first stage in negotiations to buy part of The Wrekin from the Orleton Estate, to complete the deal that "All Friends Round The Wrekin" have been campaigning for since the sale was made public.

George Chancellor, Chairman of the group, said that it was the first step in the campaign to bring as much of The Wrekin area as possible into public ownership. In Thursday's Shropshire Star he stated, "It will allow this vital gateway to The Wrekin to be transformed from something we are all ashamed of, into a place we can take pride in - providing a fitting welcome for Wrekin visitors.

A place where they can park their cars safely and securely. A place where they can answer the call of nature in reasonable comfort. A place where they can learn more about wonders of The Wrekin's history, wildlife and folklore. And above all, a place that is not scarred by graffiti, fly-tipping and perennial litter."

The Orleton Estate have now split their property into eight different lots, to try and maximise their return from the sale. But it is unlikely that people would want to invest in land that has no development potential, and would incur a huge public liability. So it is hoped that the vendors will bring the price down to the figure calculated by the District Valuer, so that a sale can be agreed with the help of Heritage Lottery funding.