The customer service given by Oswestry’s traders is among the best in the UK, a new survey has revealed.

Mystery shoppers and town centre assessors have given Oswestry the stamp of approval in a survey aimed at improving the town’s overall experience.

Throughout December a professional team carried out the Location Model Project, designed by Skillsmart Retail, the Sector Skills Council for Retail, to see how well Oswestry performed in a number of areas, from shop standards to town centre cleanliness.

The results were revealed last night at a meeting at the Wynnstay Hotel to traders who took part in the survey.

A mystery shopping test evaluated the performance of 30 independent shops in the town, producing a score of 84.9 per cent, well above the 80 per cent benchmark, placing Oswestry 17th out of almost 80 towns which have so far been assessed.

This good performance meant in 92 per cent of the cases mystery shoppers would return to the shop.

The best performing shop in Oswestry was Gooseberry Boutique in Leg Street, which scored 96.6 per cent.

David Roberts, cabinet member for local environment and economy at Shropshire Council, said: “While there is a lot to be proud about, this survey presents us with a great opportunity to take stock and move forward, so that everyone who comes to Oswestry, whether they are from the local area or from further afield, has a positive experience.”