Protesters held a mock funeral criticizing Shropshire Council’s climate actions and the North West Relief Road project.
The council had promised net zero emissions by 2030, declaring a climate emergency back in May 2019. However, a planning committee recently approved a big carbon emission increase due to the North West Relief Road (NWRR) project, with offsets not anticipated until 2050.
Protesters staged street theater to show their feelings. Two people acted like councillors tearing a plan and tossed paper shreds into a coffin. A drumbeat played as people put items inside, including children’s clothes and toys. The crowd stood one minute in silence.
Hannah Peters participated in the protest, saying the council is failing everyone and that local cuts mattered, despite what other places do. She stated that approving the NWRR broke a promise from 2019, causing people to feel the Tories ignored their children’s future.
Chrissy Bridge also joined the protest action, stating that residents feel greatly betrayed. She reported that pledges got abandoned for twenty more years as climate effects worsen. Shrewsbury faces worst flooding in forty years, causing homes and businesses to be devastated.
The council released its draft business case that same day. This project is estimated to cost £215 million, including the Oxon Link Road’s price. The project aims to reduce congestion locally and the council expects it will help the economy.
Congestion should fall in Shrewsbury and nearby spots. Bottlenecks on the town’s bypass may reduce too, and the case hopes to support Shrewsbury Moves Strategy. The full council must approve the business case before sending it to government; however, local elections will delay council consideration.