Five Shropshire towns are in line for a major business and tourism boost as part of a £500,000 scheme to breathe new life into cash-strapped areas.

Regional development agency Advantage West Midlands (AWM) has announced the plan, which will see market towns including Ellesmere, Ludlow, Market Drayton, Oswestry and Whitchurch targeted.

The scheme is being rolled out by a group of government and business leaders, Shropshire Council and trade unions in the area.

Large businesses in the area will be offered specialist advice from business advisors, who will assess business plans and offer guidance on the financial support available.

A business support package, including tips and advice, will then be handed out to firms in a bid to help them survive the recession.

The project is also targetting independent retailers across the market towns, who could be in line for a slice of £250,000 funding.

Citizens’ Advice Bureaus across the towns could also be allocated a share of £150,000 to train new advisors and take on more staff and volunteers.

The final part of the project involves festivals, events and tourist attractions in the market towns receiving support, with £100,000 earmarked for promoting and improving events like the Much Wenlock Olympic games, Coalbrookdale Festival, the Shrewsbury Flower Festival and the Ludlow Food Festival.

David Roberts, Shropshire Council cabinet member for local environment and economy, said: “It’s important organisations such as AWM understand the challenges we face locally and I am delighted the agency has responded with this programme of support.”

Mark Pearce, AWM economic regeneration corporate director, said: “We know times are hard in our rural areas as a result of the recession.

“Many market town communities are hugely reliant on a few local employers, their local high streets and tourism.”

By Deborah Collins