Shrewsbury town centre revamp 'an opportunity for tourism'

The chairman of Shrewsbury Tourism Association says proposals under the Integrated Transport Plan, unveiled last week by Shropshire Council, are the ideal opportunity to make changes.

Michael Connor has called for Bellstone to be returned to its former glory complete with a statue of Admiral Benbow and a dedicated taxi rank.

Mr Connor said: "In recent years Bellstone has begun to show signs of having lost its way, a forgotten place waiting for something to happen so that once again it is a place of character, a place with people and a place to be enjoyed.

"At one end, on a plinth would be a statue of one of Shrewsbury's most famous sons, Admiral John Benbow, and at the other end would be the Cabbies' Rest, now languishing in the castle grounds but originally in use in The Square.

"The plan has the advantage of not only giving taxi drivers a much-needed parking space to this end of town but also adding to the character and personality of Bellstone. Meanwhile the presence of the taxi rank would stimulate footfall and trade for the surrounding shops and businesses."

The council's £12 million integrated transport plan was unveiled last week.

The scheme includes proposals to improve the appearance of Pride Hill, The Square and Mardol, as well as changes to major junctions and traffic systems intended to reduce congestion throughout the town and attract more visitors.

Mr Connor said: "Shrewsbury Tourism Association believes tourism is one of the major factors in Shrewsbury's future prosperity – and this wealth and business is not just confined to hotels and B&Bs but reaches out to restaurants, pubs, shops, transport and employment.

"It is therefore important that we improve the infrastructure of the town and wherever possible improve what we already have when the occasion arises.

"The proposed development at Bellstone in the Integrated Transport Plan is a case in hand because Bellstone, instead of becoming an attractive hub, will be turned into a characterless out of town roadway, where the combustion engine is the priority."

He added: "I believe that the inclusion of a much-needed taxi rank, the statue and the Cabbies' Rest would re-invigorate Bellstone and at the same time add to the overall attractiveness of Shrewsbury town centre."

Matt Johnson, Shropshire Council's transport planning commissioner, leading on the Shrewsbury Integrated Transport Package, said: "We welcome this input, as we welcome all inputs, to the consultation, which runs until March 29. After the consultation period is over and all responses have been considered, then Shropshire Council will announce what will happen with this location."