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Bear Step's Office,
St Alkmund's Square,
Shrewsbury SY1 1UH

October 2nd, 2008

The Editor,
Shropshire Star,
Ketley,
Telford, TF1 5HU

You question whether it is right for CPRE to oppose the construction of a jetty in the Quarry.

Our remit is not only to protect the countryside, but also green open spaces in towns. The river Severn is arguably Shrewsbury's greatest asset and it is precisely its quiet tranquillity that is a delight to all who live here.

The jetty is part of a programme pursued by the Shrewsbury River Partnership to bring more boats onto the river, including motorised boats. We want residents to enjoy the river, whether in boats or on its banks, but are concerned with the impact on tranquillity of uncontrolled boats brought in from outside the town.

Last year, the Telford consultants Pleydell Smithyman were commissioned to undertake a study of ways in which the river could be better used. They came up with 48 recommendations, which they assessed for their potential positive and negative impact. Only seven were thought to have potential negative impact. These included the introduction of moorings for use by other boat users, new pontoons along with  facilities and infrastructure for boat users, e.g. lighting.

The river is already extensively and unobtrusively used by, among others, canoeists, rowers and fishermen. It seems to us that money could be better spent on improving the facilities for these rather than for expensive jetties for use by the few.

We also believe that an independent survey is needed so that Shrewsbury residents can have a say on the future use of the river.

Selby Martin
Vice-President
Shropshire CPRE