Wem town square a waste of cash, says trader

Plans to create a £100,000 town square in Wem were today described as a 'waste of money' by a leading town businessman – just weeks before work on the controversial scheme is due to begin.

John Murray, who is the owner of Wem Treacle Mine, said the money would have been better spent on creating an industrial unit in the town which would have created much-needed employment.

He says a new town square behind Aston Street at the lorry park between the Co-op and White Lion pub will take business away from the high street rather than encourage more people to shop in the town.

Shropshire Council said work on the scheme will start in mid-January and take about six weeks to complete.

Mr Murray, who is also a member of Wem Town Council, said: "I am against it. It will move the centre of the town from the high street to the car park.

"It is a waste of money, especially in these economic times. It will upset the transport arrangements in the car park and make it dangerous.

"It is not the place for a town square and we have already got the Millennium Green. Who will want to sit in a town square there?

"I don't think it will encourage more people to shop in the town and boost business. I would have liked to have seen it spent on creating an industrial unit which would create jobs in the town.

"At the moment there are no jobs for young people and they are looking elsewhere."

The plans have divided public opinion in Wem, with some claiming it will breathe new life into the town and provide a new venue for outdoor events such as car boot sales and farmers' market.

The project looked in doubt last year after it lost money as part of Shropshire Council cuts.

But at a unitary council cabinet meeting at Shirehall in August members agreed to give the project financial backing.