Church Stretton travel plans win traders' support

Plans for a multi-million pound travel hub designed to boost tourism and visitor numbers in Church Stretton has won the backing of traders in the town.

Representatives of Church Stretton Chamber of Trade believe the hub, earmarked for land between the town's railway station and the A49, is a "terrific idea".

And officials at the Strettons Civic Society have also backed the plan, saying it will help the town to develop and grow.

Under the proposals the hub would act as a gateway to Church Stretton and the Shropshire Hills, including details on local attractions and services.

Members of Church Stretton Area Partnership, who have come up with the scheme, want visitors to come to the town by coach or train, rather than by car and use the hub as a starting point for exploring the area.

The plan could include relocating garages operating in the area and initial negotiations with proprietors have already been held.

Scheme bosses are now trying to attract the remainder of the £15,000 required to launch a feasibility study.

Jane van Doesburg, chairman of Church Stretton Chamber of Trade, said it was essential to ensure the town was busy and vibrant.

She said: "Anything that promotes Church Stretton as a town is a good thing as we have a lot to offer here.

"We do need to keep the town busy and people in cars are still important to us. But from a tourism point of view it sounds great.

"I think it's a terrific idea and I'm sure traders will welcome it."

John Sumner, chairman of the Strettons Civic Society, said: "This town does depend on tourism. It's the major economy of the town and anything that ensures tourism continues and increases in the future is for the good of the town."