Church Stretton revamp plans criticised

A business leader has hit out at plans for a £75,000 revamp of Church Stretton town centre and has called for streets to be left as they are.

Jane van Doesburg, chairman of Church Stretton Chamber of Trade, said neither option put forward by council chiefs for the redesign of High Street were suitable and called for on-street parking to be preserved.

Her views have been backed by James Gibson, who represents the town on Shropshire Council.

But the proposals have been supported by town mayor Bob Welch, who said it was vital to give tourists and the town's ageing population safe access to shops.

The comments were made as planners met about 120 residents to discuss detailed plans at a four-hour consultation event at the Silvester Horne Institute yesterday.

Two design options were displayed, with both proposing widening the pavements to help pedestrians. One plan proposes removing seven parking spaces and the other suggests a new one-way system.

Mrs van Doesburg said: "It's too big a risk to be mucking about with, especially in the current economic climate.

"On a personal note I would hate to see all the parking removed, but that's not just for me – it's widely felt among traders."

Councillor Gibson said: "We should leave it alone as if you take parking away in the High Street you kill the market town."

Councillor Welch said: "Our difficulty is the growth in numbers of elderly and di- sabled residents and we are getting busier each year."

People can view the plans at the town council offices and library until June 30. A report on the consultation, including recommendations, is to be submitted to the town council on July 26.