Concern expressed over the future of a community orchard

The maintenance of a community orchard at the top of Ringers Lane in Admaston, Telford is uncertain following a meeting of Wrockwardine Parish Council last week.

The uncertainty stems from the recently announced boundary review, which will see the site fall under the control of Wellington Town Council in 2027.

Councillor K Ballantyne wanted to plan ahead by arranging and funding a five-year management contract for the community space with the current contractor. The worry is that changes made by future authorities could put the long-term maintenance of the orchard at risk.

The Parish Council discussed considering putting forward the full funds for the contract immediately. This would secure the agreement before the transition takes place.

Councillor Davies said that many other councils would be in a similar position. He added that more conversations like this would be taking place to ensure a smooth changeover, and the council should wait before making any commitment.

Councillor Ballantyne reminded the meeting of the years of effort from current and previous councillors that had gone into making the orchard a reality.

The Parish Clerk suggested the council make a final decision on securing the funding at the December meeting.