Mary Portas in Telford to reveal High Streets plan

Retail expert Mary Portas was in Shropshire this afternoon to talk to thousands of traders about the future of the nation's High Streets.

The TV presenter and Government advisor was at the Pro-Retail Event at Telford International Centre.

She was due to address more than 6,000 businesspeople on how town centres are changing and what they can do to address challenges to the UK shopping industry.

She said: "Having had the chance to see so many brands under one roof I find it really interesting to find out what they are doing, why they are creating what they are, where they think the gaps in the market are and what they think consumers want."

Telford & Wrekin Council leader Kuldip Sahota was also at the event.

He said he planned to speak to her about the possibility of Dawley, Ironbridge, Madeley, Oakengates and Wellington being part of a Portas Pilot Scheme – giving them a slice of government cash to develop their High Streets.

She also said that no decision had yet been taken over which towns were likely to be successful in their bids and that it was most important to get them to develop plans for their town centres.

Newport and Market Drayton have also applied.

She added: "Everybody has the same chance. I think the most important thing is to see whether there is a real commitment from people in those towns to make change."