Traders say Oswestry is in danger of dying

One of Shropshire's largest towns is in danger of "dying on its feet" because of a dramatic fall in the number of shoppers, it has been claimed.

Traders are struggling to pay rent and footfall has dropped, a meeting of Oswestry Chamber of Trade was told.

Store owners were last night told they must seriously consider what impact a new supermarket would have on their future.

The meeting was called to hear about the revised plans for a supermarket put forward by car company JT Hughes and guttering firm Guttercrest.

Chamber chairman Yossi Gliksman warned that some of the town's small independent businesses were already at risk of folding.

He said if a store had to be built in Oswestry, it was vital it was built in the town centre.

And he warned traders not to be influenced by anti-supermarket campaigners.

Mr Gliksman told traders: "You have got to look at it without any pressure from anybody and look at how it will affect your own business.

Struggling

"We know footfall in Oswestry has dropped. Takings are down. Some shops are really struggling to pay the rent.

"Times are not brilliant. It is all over the country. You need to look at all the options and look at it very carefully, almost selfishly, to actually see how you can keep your business going.

"Don't be influenced by any residents' groups, associations or any groups that have been created in the last couple of years as a result of this process."

Town businessman Gwilym Owen told the meeting, held at the Wynnstay Hotel, he feared for the future of many traders.

Mr Owen said: "The trade in the town in the last two to three months has gone down and down. It just can't continue. If we are not careful Oswestry is going to be dying on its feet.

"We must have new development in the town centre."

John Hughes, from JT Hughes, said he had reduced the size of his proposed store after listening to the public's concerns. He said: "We are Oswestry people. We want the town to be developed. We don't want to damage it."

The proposal is one of four rival bids all hoping to be given the go-ahead to build in Oswestry. Shropshire Council will meet on July 29 to make a decision.

By Iain St John