Lead Member – Councillor Ed Potter, Chair of the Economy and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee

Lead Officer – Claire Braddock, Overview and Scrutiny Officer

REPORT TO FOLLOW

The Chair of the Economy and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee presented the findings and recommendations of the Station Gyratory Rapid Task and Finish Group, which was formed in response to public concern and scrutiny committee recommendations regarding the Levelling Up Fund Project in Shrewsbury.

The group had conducted a full day of investigations, engaging with emergency services, businesses, stakeholders, and council officers to gather evidence and inform their recommendations.

Key issues identified included: a breakdown in communication among stakeholders - resulting in a scheme that differed from initial plans; concerns about congestion and emergency service access; insufficient information sharing; and a lack of opportunity to pause and review the project.

The group had noted that despite significant external funding commitments, the Council was left vulnerable to liability, and an independent safety audit of the site was recommended to assess risks and guide next steps.  Other recommendations focused on improving governance, oversight, and applying lessons learned to future and existing projects to ensure robust management and public confidence.

The Group had emphasized the need for immediate improvements, such as traffic light sequencing, addressing bus stop issues, and ongoing scrutiny workstreams, particularly around the movement strategy and quality assurance for future projects.

The Portfolio Holder for Transport and Economic Growth thanked the Task and Finish Group for its swift and thorough work. He said the report clearly outlined a series of problems with the scheme, noting links to earlier issues raised about project delivery in the council.  Opportunities to stop or reconsider the project were missed, with some officers raising concerns that were not acted upon, which he recognised as a serious problem.  He stressed the need to rebuild confidence with partners, as the project became disconnected from the broader strategy as it developed and changes were made.  He committed to learning lessons and doing things differently in future.

Cabinet accepted the recommendations set out the report in full and agreed to review the position in 6 months time.