Letter: I am sorry that F J Evans had an unfortunate experience at Theatre Severn when picking up children after the pantomime, Shropshire Star, December 23.

However, I would like to refute the allegation in the last paragraph of his letter that Shrewsbury is trying its best to force out the coach traveller. Shrewsbury Tourism Association has been planning, negotiating and working hard over the last two and a half years to make Shrewsbury a coach-friendly town.

To that end the association has been in touch with the traffic department at the Shirehall, town centre hotels, local restaurants and Mr Phil Bateman of the Corporation Passenger Trust (West Midlands); besides monitoring and researching opinions and requests of coach drivers who had travelled into Shrewsbury town centre.

Notice has been taken of parking facilities at Frankwell.

Convenient drop-off points will come into force when the Border Street development is completed on October 29. STA considered it would be better to delay publicity and marketing until October 29 when all the facilities would be in place.

It is the intention of Shrewsbury Tourism Association to make it as easy as possible for both the coach driver and the coach passenger to enjoy their visit to Shrewsbury.

Concerning F J Evans’s unfortunate experience all I can say is that with any new venture like Theatre Severn there are always teething problems.

Michael Connor

Chairman,

Shrewsbury Tourism Association