Oswestry business in bid to halt ‘town decline’

The appearance and state of some of the buildings in Oswestry town centre have also been highlighted by a survey carried out by those promoting a Business Improvement District.

Those in favour say unless the town’s infrastructure can meet the needs of businesses in the 21st century it will risk losing existing businesses and will be unable to attract new ones.

Becoming a BID town, which would put a small levy on the business rates, would help lever money in to carry out improvements and help revitalise Oswestry.

Traders in the proposed BID area – the town centre, eastern Oswestry, the industrial estate, proposed new business park and Park Hall, will be balloted on whether to go ahead with the scheme in the spring.

Over recent weeks 160 businesses have been surveyed.

Ian Follington, BID chairman, said 64 per cent of respondents believed Oswestry had become a worse place for their business over the past five years. Businesses were asked to rank different aspects of the town centre from very poor to very good. The issue which most businesses in the town centre ranged as poor was the range of shops followed by the night time perception of the town and things to do in the evening,” Mr Follington said.

He said 72 per cent of those surveyed wanted to see improvements made to derelict, vacant or old buildings and sites in and around the town.

Marketing to target and attract new businesses and investors and developing the area’s identity were also said to be top initiatives for 71 per cent.

“Based upon the feedback from businesses and their aspirations for the future the vision for the Oswestry BID programme of investments is to offer visitors, workers and residents a diverse and rewarding environment and to be recognised as a destination for business investment, education and training, retail, tourism and leisure.”

Four key objectives have been set out for investment: Raising the profile and promoting the strengths and characteristics of Oswestry; supporting the growth and development of existing business and attracting start-ups, young businesses and new investment; building on Oswestry’s rich heritage to develop a diverse and rewarding environment; facilitating safe, functional and efficient access and navigation.

“Unless the infrastructure in Oswestry can meet the needs of businesses in the 21st century then the town will risk losing existing businesses and will not be able to attract new ones,” Mr Follington said.

Ballot papers will be sent out to those business within the BID area on January 25 with the result known by February 27. If the majority vote in favour of Oswestry becoming a BID town it will be launched on April 1.