Shropshire's business chiefs in plea to back high street through 'crucial' January and beyond

Sally Themans, of Love Wellington, Bridgnorth and Shifnal said: "It's a crucial time and, with some positive inflation news, we hope people will start to feel more confident.

"Supporting our high streets has to be of paramount importance in 2024 and independent traders and shops in general all need our support.

"In Bridgnorth, we have a BID feasibility process going on and we are hoping that will come off.

"If we could get a BID, there would be someone to be employed by businesses to make sure the streets are cleaned and add more creative flair."

Sally said there were positives to be seen and reasons to be upbeat where towns were concerned, and said Wellington was a strong example.

"It is flying high and there has been great investment from Telford & Wrekin Council as part of their Pride in Our High Street programme.

"Love Wellington has been operating for four years now too so the message is firmly out there.

"The number of new businesses opening and starting, it's been an upwards churn of getting individual creative retailers in there. Success breeds success and I think Wellington is right up there and almost giving Shrewsbury a run for its money with its late night markets and different food places."

Karen Woodcock, chair of Newport Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, said she was hopeful for the year ahead.

She said: "We have more than 50 independent retailers here in Newport and that's something to be proud of.

"We have a strong variety of stores and I believe it is a great place to shop and live and I am optimistic for the year ahead.

"But we must not rest on our laurels and must work hard to keep getting the word out about what our high street has to offer and hopefully people will continue to turn out, shop local and support our independent traders."

Seb Slater, executive director of Shrewsbury BID, said: "Shrewsbury has a fantastic blend of independent shops and national stores, which makes our town centre such an attractive place to visit, and all of our businesses rely on the support of local people as well as visitors.

"Christmas is, of course, a very busy time, and January is traditionally more quiet, so any efforts to encourage people to come into their local town centre is very much welcomed."

The calls came as a survey by Legal & General of more than 2,000 people nationally said 39 per cent of respondents from the West Midlands enjoy the convenience of visiting their local high street.

The survey said 27 per cent of people regionally visit their local high street once a week and 25 per cent of people in the West Midlands like the variety of shops and businesses in their high street.

Denz Ibrahim, head of retail and futuring at Legal & General Investment Management Real Assets, said: “High streets are not just about transactions; they are about creating vibrant, multifaceted community spaces.

“Fostering high streets as vibrant community hubs goes hand-in-hand with strategically integrating essential anchors – like healthcare, education, and workspaces to create inclusive and enduring destinations.

“While there is still work to be done to fully realise the ultimate vision for high streets, it's encouraging to see the survey results confirming Brits’ continued affection and appreciation for them.

"We will persist in our efforts to enhance and preserve the unique character of the British high street, making it a vibrant and inclusive place for people to gather, connect, and create lasting memories.”