A 10-year vision for flourishing shops, improvements to the town centre and fresh investment in sport, social and leisure facilities in Market Drayton has today been unveiled.

The town’s first community-led plan – the culmination of 20 months’ work by a group of residents – was going on public display today at the town’s Festival Drayton Centre. People are being invited to go along between noon and 8pm to learn more about the plan.

The team behind the strategy today said the number one priority for residents seemed to be improving the fortunes of the town centre.

The findings were based on responses to a survey sent to 5,500 households. Just over a quarter of households – about 1,350 – completed the survey.

Members of the steering group added they were pleased with the finished plan because it was based on hard evidence from a survey.

It covers different areas like crime, enterprise, environment, education, health, housing and tourism.

Roy Payne, steering group chairman, said: “The overwhelming thing for people who completed the survey was the look, shape and feel of the town centre.

“Many people said they were ashamed of it because it’s suffering like many small market towns are at the moment, but to many people here it seems Market Drayton is doing worse than others.

“We need to market our town nationally as a business opportunity for small businesses. We want to encourage them to come to the town.

“This project has been an absolutely massive community and committee effort to produce a plan which is the most comprehensive one that has ever been done for Market Drayton.

“Unless more people get involved to help take the it forward as best they can, it will have been a waste of time so we want residents, councillors, employers and workers to get on board keep the momentum going.”

To see the plan visit www.2shrop.net/mdtownplan

By Tom Johannsen