Plan to transform Shrewsbury street into traditional food shops

ONE OF the main gateways into Shrewsbury town centre could be transformed into a haven for food lovers with empty shops turned into butchers, fishmongers and delicatessens to help regenerate the area, it was claimed today.

It is hoped low rents may entice food retailers selling fine Shropshire produce to open up in Castle Gates.

And a regular outdoor bazaar showcasing local produce and vintage memorabilia is another idea to give the area near the town's railway station a more bustling feel.

Shopkeeper Sheila Sagar, 50, from Shrewsbury Bakehouse, in Castle Gates, has come up with the vision and hopes it could move a step closer to reality tonight as members of Shrewsbury Town Council's finance and general purposes committee discuss holding outdoor events in the area.

If they are in favour Mrs Sagar said she would apply for a licence to hold regular bazaars.

She said: "This is the first area visitors see when they leave Shrewsbury train station and it needs to make an impact and set the tone.

"In some respects it is one of the most important areas. We have all these visitors sitting on the doorstep and we need to tap into that.

"A lot of the buildings in this area look appalling and if we don't make the right impression they are never coming back.

"The rents are so low here that some of the shops are beginning to get snapped up but they have nothing to do with food. It would make more sense to get a group of similar, high quality local producers and promote the area as a foodie part of town.

"We would also like to bring people together in the area with monthly events where we can put local produce on show and promote businesses in Shropshire."

Mrs Sagar said negotiations were ongoing with the council. She added: "I know funds are limited for everyone at the moment, but we really need to get the event off the ground and it could help kick-start wider development in the area."

Dr Maxwell Winchester, a Shrewsbury and Shropshire councillor, said he backed the ideas. He said: "I'd love to see an entrance way to the town with food shops.

"It would be fabulous."

By Sam Pinnington