Bid to rejuvenate Wellington's town centre

Wellington Town Council says it cannot stand by and "do nothing" about its town centre, and wants to attract more and more shops in, turning it into a popular shopping destination.

The mayor of Wellington says the town has lots going for it but says it is finding it difficult to attract big name companies.

Councillor Phil Morris-Jones said: "The problem for Wellington is we are stuck in a chicken and egg situation.

"Big businesses won't come to the town because it is a low earnings area, but it won't grow until we get more of those businesses in.

"If we can get one business in, people see it and start to come to Wellington, it would attract others to come.

"For Wellington Town Council, doing nothing is not an option. Any companies that wanted to come to Wellington would be made very welcome by the town council and given all the help and assistance they needed."

The town council has used a report to outline the problems faced by the town, as well as its advantages and what is to be done to try and boost it in future.

About 19 per cent of shops in Wellington are empty, compared to the national average of nine per cent.

It also says it struggles with low tourist numbers, a poor perception of its town centre and a lack of particular retail types.

Businesses have also written to BT calling for better broadband coverage in the town centre.

But Councillor Morris-Jones says it also has its thriving and historic market, good railway access, with a lot of positives to sell itself.

There have been a number of big investments in the town in recent years, includng the new bus station and neighbouring highway works, costing a total of £3.5million, the former Arriva Bus depot being acquired by the Wrekin Housing Trust for affordable housing, a new shared spaces area in Market Street to make it better for pedestrians.

But Councillor Morris-Jones says the town council wants to see more done to make Wellington thrive.

He said: "Eventually, the plan would be for Telford & Wrekin Council to come in partnership and take on a property in Wellington, develop the bottom into shops with subsidised rents if necessary to attract in the necessary shops Wellington needs.

"The top floor would then be converted into accommodation for students or people of retirement age.

"That would be a long-term plan but it would take a lot to get it together."