Plans for town hit by shop closures

Council chiefs have now revealed proposals to revitalise a north Shropshire town centre blighted by empty shops on its high street.

The appearance of empty premises in Wem is to be improved and more help is set to be given to existing businesses in a bid to regenerate the town.

It comes after Wem county councillors Pauline Dee and Chris Mellings raised concerns about a recent increase in the number of empty premises in the High Street.

Town councillor Peggy Carson has also added her frustration over the situation, especially at the lack of clothes shops in Wem, which sees residents having to travel to Shrewsbury just to buy underwear or a shirt.

Now representatives from Shropshire Council's economic development and community regeneration teams, together with Business Link and Advantage West Midlands, are taking action.

Frank Lauriello, Shropshire Council's business support officer, said: "Following our meeting with Wem Chamber of Commerce on February 15 we have agreed a number of actions to help support new and existing businesses in the town centre.

"Actions include finding out business requirements, improving the visual appearance of empty shops and ensuring businesses are aware of the grants available.

"We will continue to work closely with the Chamber of Commerce to revitalise Wem town centre."