Shropshire Star comment: Get it right to ensure Shrewsbury's future
Our county town is of enormous importance.
Shrewsbury has historic value, it is the administrative centre of Shropshire, it is a hub for industry and it is a magnet for tourism.
It is perfectly right, therefore, that councillors and planning experts should devote considerable time to it.
Reflections on its strategic importance and discussions about the way in which it should evolve are at the heart of Shrewsbury’s new town plan.
Shropshire Council’s cabinet will be asked to endorse a range of ideas when it meets on November 7.
The Big Town Plan is an ambitious vision.
Many of the ideas appear to be sensible, and having a vision shared by various interested parties is a positive step.
Of course, turning that vision into reality will the challenge.
The issues affecting our high streets are well documented and it is clear that, like many towns, Shrewsbury has to work harder than ever to ensure it retains its appeal.
There are ideas that will resonate with many local residents and businesses.
More should be done to retain Shrewsbury’s unique character and to making it a place in which people can do business. It should be easy for people to access, it must be attractive and it must not face the sort of unnecessary distractions that recently came about when an improvement scheme went awry.
Councillors must look to future proof the town so that it is able to face the threats from online shopping.
They must also make sure that it is friendly, welcoming and provides good value.
Businesses should be at the heart of the strategy for they are the lifeblood of Shrewsbury.
The town’s unique character sets it apart from rival towns not just in Shropshire but also further afield.
People choose the Shrewsbury experience over the attractions of Cheshire, Birmingham and other places.
And councillors must do all that they can to ensure that visitors continue to flood in.
They must also respect the town’s heritage, for Shrewsbury is the place where Darwin formulated his initial ideas – ideas that changed the course of science. And so in a week’s time, councillors must make sound, long-term decisions to ensure Shrewsbury’s long-term success.
