Promotion sees Shrewsbury gear up for more visitors

Shrewsbury Town's promotion to League One is set to provide a massive boost to town businesses as thousands of extra fans pour in to the county over the next season.

According to the latest Football League statistics, the average number of visiting supporters attending League One games during the 2010/11 season was 630.

That compares to the 360 visiting supporters for the average League Two fixture.

If these figures were to be repeated over the course of next season, promotion would bring almost 15,000 away fans into Shrewsbury over the course of the 23 home games next year – an increase of about 6,000 people.

Town businesses say they are already looking forward to benefitting.

Peter Bettis, president of the Shrewsbury Business Chamber, said promotion was 'great news' for pubs and restaurants in the town.

He said many away fans would bring their families to Shrewsbury for a day out shopping while they went to the games.

Mr Bettis said the fact Shrewsbury have been outside of the third tier of English football for more than a decade could mean that many League One supporters and their families would be unfamiliar with the town.

"There is more incentive as it is something new," he said.

"It is not just the town centre, it is supporting the local economy. Shrewsbury has got a lot to offer for people who have never been here."

Shrewsbury's promotion has also been welcomed by Nick Davies, co-owner of the nearby Brooklands Hotel pub in Mill Road.

He said: "It is going to be great. We are hoping for a renewed interest in Shrewsbury Town. There has already been a gradual increase in supporters coming because we are the closest pub to the ground."

See also:

• We’ve done it! Shrewsbury Town up after 15 years

• Shrewsbury Town’s promotion party – in video

• Shrewsbury players celebrate promotion – in pictures