Councillor quits Lib Dems after Shropshire car rally approved
Former Liberal Democrat councillor Chris Naylor said he has resigned from the ruling party over the decision
A Shropshire councillor has resigned from the local Liberal Democrat group following the decision to approve a major car rally in the county.
Former Liberal Democrat councillor Chris Naylor said he quit the ruling party over the decision made by the cabinet on June 10 to grant permission for the Hills Ford Stages Rally, arguing that residents in his Pulverbatch ward who has concerns about the event had been ignored.
"I'm absolutely not 'anti-rally', and back two of my parishes that want it," Cllr Naylor said.
"But if it's true that all the proposed 'closed road' sections for the Rally have been approved by Shropshire Council then I've failed the very rural Pulverbatch community I serve, and have to step away from the Lib Dem Group here."
Although the route has not yet been publicly confirmed, Cllr Naylor said the proposed route goes through the middle of a "busy working farm" and questioned how that could work.
The Hills Ford Stages Rally will see around 140 cars race through the Shropshire countryside following a ceremonial opening in Shrewsbury town centre.
Shropshire Council's Cabinet approved the Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TTROs) required for the event to take place on September 19 and 20.
The event has generated both support and concern from communities. Issues raised include environmental impact, rural access, farming operations, noise and road suitability, alongside recognition of potential tourism and economic benefits.
Although the event has been given the green light, concerns raised by local councillors, businesses and residents are to be discussed with the event organisers, who say they remain committed to collaborating positively with local communities to help provide or maintain access where possible and safe to do so.
Cllr Naylor said Pulverbatch was the only parish council to object to the original plans.
"It's a David and Goliath situation, and Cabinet - as is their right - have backed Goliath," he said.
Following the decision to approve the rally, 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.”
Cheltenham Motor Club which is responsible for the event said it has been in touch with local residents.
A spokesperson said: "An extensive PR process has taken place with a Motorsport UK-led consultation with the Parish Councils on those roads that form part of the competitive stages.
"This includes direct communications between their communities team and residents on those roads affected by those road closures.
"This began as early as October 2025, with a Motorsport UK-led consultation running for 6 weeks from the start of February."
In the statement issued before the cabinet meeting, Cheltenham Motor Club said it had received a total of five objections from approximately 250 residential and business properties directly affected by a road closure.
They continued: "It is anticipated that the Hills Ford Stages will generate over £500k income for the county through competitors, marshals, officials and spectators coming from all over the country spending on accommodation, restaurants, food and fuel."