The conservation charity held a public meeting last night to update residents on what’s been happening in recent months and to discuss potential future uses for the land at Wenlock Edge.

Around 60 local residents heard Marcus Halliwell, the National Trust’s general manager for South Shropshire, explain that the charity are still in negotiation with the Aggregate Industries, which own the quarries, with a view to taking on the ownership.

Marcus said: “We are feeling positive and have put a lot of time and resource into developing our proposals. Even though we haven’t got an agreement yet, we are talking with Aggregate Industries all the time and they have said we should know more by the summer.”

National Trust project manager Jo Dimitri and South Shropshire countryside manager Peter Carty, both spoke about the Trust’s proposals for Lea Quarries (north and south) and Lilleshall Quarry.

They unveiled the ‘Wenlock Edge: Elements of Surprise’ draft master plan which outlines several proposals for regenerating the sites over a number of years.

Jo said: “The draft master plan is a result of an extensive consultation exercise with the local community, local businesses and organisations. It brings together a range of possibilities for the Trust’s involvement in developing the quarries. This includes looking at how we might protect their abundant geology and wildlife; tell the story of their rich industrial and social history; and open up the landscape so that more people can experience and enjoy the outdoors.”

The Trust has asked for feedback on the draft master plan and will use the information gathered to shape any future planning. Anyone interested in finding out more about the proposals can contact Jo Dimitri: jo.dimitri@nationaltrust.org.uk