Report is painting a grim picture

County councillors and officers are studying the report, on a new 10-year economic development strategy for Shropshire.

It underlines the need for Shropshire to attract more businesses and create more jobs and also emphasises the potential for Shropshire to attract public sector employment as the government considers relocating services away from London and the south east.

The report highlights shortcomings in terms of transport links and the problems facing small towns seeking regeneration.

Of Craven Arms, it says: "Key issues include a shortage of employment opportunities, a lack of affordable housing, poor public transport links with the rural hinterland, a high rate of out-commuting, out-migration of young people."

It also highlights a lack of community facilities - particularly for young people - and a lack of support for community centre activities.

The report goes on: "There is no secondary school in Craven Arms. The town also suffers from a poor visual image and is regarded as the 'poor relation' compared with neighbouring towns.

"Recently, it faced a decline in industry, the station area is in a poor state, and the area has a waste site.

"Consequently, morale is reportedly low and community divisions have developed as a result."

Of Church Stretton, it says key issues include an ageing population, high levels of business failure and a high level of commuting out to work.

"There's a lack of affordable housing for first and second stage home buyers, a lack of cultural and community facilities, a lack of child care provision, and poor transport infrastructure."

The view of Ludlow is that key issues include a lack of affordable housing and stark differences between the 'haves' and 'have nots'.

"The Sandpits area of the town, as a whole, has a statistically higher mortality rate for coronary heart disease and strokes for under 75s.

"Unemployment in the Galdeford ward is above average," say the consultants.