Shrewsbury town centre's weekend road closures boost sales and help businesses thrive - report
Weekend road closures in Shrewsbury town centre have been judged a huge success as figures show the 'pedestrian pound' has been lucrative for businesses in the county town.
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UK charity for everyday walking, Living Streets, says there is a correlation between walkable places and thriving businesses and has used the Shrewsbury example prominently in its updated Pedestrian Pound report.
Local businesses have given a positive response to the research.
Seb Slater, executive director of Shrewsbury Business Improvement District, said: "We are delighted that Shrewsbury has been highlighted in the Pedestrian Pound report as an example of how positive partnership working can drive economic growth and create an environment for businesses to thrive.
"Figures show that creating a pedestrian-friendly zone in the heart of the town has had a clear benefit on sales, with growth being higher in the pedestrianised area compared to other parts of the town.
"One of the key aims of the Big Town Plan is to enable the town centre to grow and evolve into an even more attractive destination where more people choose to spend their time - whether they are visitors, residents or workers."
In a nutshell the report's authors say pedestrianised town centres have higher sales.
