Article by: Ron Iremonger

'Dedicated to Preserving the Past and Influencing the Future'

The Mount, just over a mile in length is steeped in history. It is an ancient route to both Wales and Ireland. The Mount's most famous son is Charles Darwin whose work probably did more than any other to shape modern thought.

The Mount Residents' Group was formed in 1996. The motivation was concern over a proposed development of 18 houses on land at Rowton Lodge, a grade II listed house in the middle of The Mount. A meeting of local residents was convened at which a Chairman and Committee were chosen. The Borough Council took up our concerns over the Rowton Lodge development, and the application went to a Public Enquiry, which found in favour of the Council. The development was cancelled!

Activities and Achievements Since Formation:

Instrumental in persuading the Borough Council to designate a large part of The Mount as a Conservation Area.

Making constructive objections to a proposed caravan park to be sited on the West Midlands Showground. The scheme was cancelled.

Sponsoring three classes in the Bonsai Tree section at the Shrewsbury Flower Show.

Instrumental in persuading the Borough Council to purchase the meadow adjacent to the Doctor's Field, this is now Public Open Space.

Purchasing a superb cast-iron bench that was presented to Millington's Hospital at the Frankwell end of The Mount.

Litter picking The Mount on a regular basis to keep it looking respectable.

Designing, purchasing and installing an information plaque about Charles Darwin at The Mount House.

Playing an active part in getting the new junction modifications at the Shelton end of The Mount and a new section of pavement installed adjacent ot Carrington Court.

Instrumental in having road signs installed at each end declaring 'The Mount'.

Continuously talking to the County Council, West Mercia Police and Arrive about reducing the speed of traffic on The Mount.

Discovering and restoring one of Thomas Telford's original milestones at the Shelton end of The Mount. We now care for the first two coaching milestones out of Shrewsbury.

Organised day trips to Gloucester Docks and The Palace of Westminster.

Actively encouraged the Borough Council to improve the Boot Gardens at the Frankwell end of The Mount. We donated a tree to the scheme and have been encouraged to be involved in the upkeep of the garden.

Established links with Copthorne Barracks with a visit in 2004.

Planted daffodil bulbs along The Mount donated by the Borough Council.

Further Information:

We have committee meetings every two months or depending on the requirements of projects in hand. Member's meetings are held three times a year to discuss local issues and listen to a visiting speaker on a topical issue. A newsletter is produced several times a year to keep members informed (sign up to receive this by e-mail using the form on the left).

We hope this information will prompt you to join what is perceived as one of Shrewsbury's most successful Residents' Group.