A COUNCILLOR has announced he will step away from the Liberal Democrats after road closures for a controversial rally were approved in his ward.
Shropshire Councillor, Chris Naylor, recently raised concerns about the upcoming motorsport event, the Hills Ford Rally Stages, and said Pulverbatch councillors had been left worried that “narrow back lanes” will be closed for the day to allow for the rally.
He previously said the proposed closures will make life difficult for farmers and holidaymakers staying nearby, and fears “precious” verges will be damaged.
There will be five stages in the Linley, Dorrington, Cressage, Lawley, and Clee Hill areas.
Now, Coun Naylor has said that he is not "anti-rally", but has announced that if the proposed road closures have been approved by Shropshire Council's cabinet, he's "failed the very rural Pulverbatch community I serve, and have to step away from the Lib Dems here".
"Firstly, we'd been told by the council in writing that Pulverbatch roads wouldn't be closed, and that's not been honoured," he added.
"And the proposed Pulverbatch closed route goes right through the middle of a busy working farm."
Coun Naylor said he came into politics to "champion small communities", but feels that despite the parish council sending in objections and passing motions, "local views have been ignored".
"It's a David and Goliath situation, and cabinet - as is their right - have backed Goliath," he added.
The event, which is organised by the Cheltenham Motor Club, will begin in Shrewsbury town centre on September 19 for an opening ceremony, and will be followed by a five-stage closed road rally.
Traffic Regulation Orders were approved by Cabinet on June 10.
David Vasmer, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways and waste, said: “Cabinet carefully considered all aspects of this proposal, including the potential benefits for our local economy and the concerns raised by residents and communities.
“This wasn’t a straightforward decision, and it was important that we struck the right balance between supporting opportunities for Shropshire and protecting the interests of those affected.”
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