South Shropshire MP, Philip Dunne, has praised Councils across the Marches for brokering a new agreement to take on significant challenges they face.

At a special event at Hay Castle, an agreement between Shropshire Council, Herefordshire Council and Monmouthshire and Powys county councils was formalised – with the Marches Forward Partnership meaning the four local authorities will now work even more closely together with both UK and Welsh governments to progress cross border collaboration.

This will include working jointly to secure funding support from both governments as well as with a wide range of other partners to unlock more investment and explore new approaches to make major projects that benefit the Marches region become reality.

Mr Dunne said:

“I was pleased to be at the fabulously refurbished Hay Castle in the heart of The Marches to welcome this historic agreement between Shropshire, Herefordshire, Monmouthshire and Powys local authorities. 

“The Marches Forward Partnership is a pragmatic, cross party and cross border approach to dealing with the issues people in the Marches face.  From transport infrastructure to green growth and economic development, there are significant areas for collaboration. I referred to enabling improved digital infrastructure across the Marches from being able to access installed capacity on each side of an administrative line to improve services for those stuck on the other side.

“I look forward to seeing how this new partnership will coordinate the approach to Marches issues, and stand ready to offer my support wherever it is needed.”

Photo: Philip Dunne MP with Cllr Lezley Picton, Leader of Shropshire Council, Andy Begley, CEO, and Ian Nellins, Deputy Leader Shropshire Council