Town's drive to lure shoppers

Wednesdays are set to be "wonderful" in Shrewsbury thanks to a new promotion by Destination Shrewsbury and the Shop in the Loop group.

Town traders are offering a range of gifts and incentives to coincide with the free parking scheme run by the council. The treats, ranging from a competition to win a £500 shopping spree to a complimentary bag of sweets, are designed to lure more visitors into the town in mid week.

Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council is waiving charges at its Abbey Foregate, St Julian's Friars and main Frankwell car parks from 2pm each Wednesday in February and March.

Shop in the Loop has responded by encouraging traders to get on board with Wednesday offers.

Wysteria Lane, which has clothing and gifts shops in Dogpole and Grope Lane, is running a free draw for a £500 voucher. The Wilfred Owen Tea Rooms in Abbey Foregate is offering a "buy one get one free" afternoon tea. And Sacred Moon, Wyle Cop, is discounting jewellery.

The Chocolate Gourmet, also in Wyle Cop, is giving away hand-made sweets with a £10 purchase of loose truffles, while Home James in Castle Gates is joining in with "two for one" historical tours.

Janette Rowlatt, of Chocolate Gourmet, said: "The free Wednesday parking has given the town a real boost – it was an excellent move – and we are happy to support it."

Other retailers taking part are the Good Life wholefood restaurant in Wyle Cop, Loch Fyne restaurant in Market Street, McDonalds in Pride Hill, Eyewear Direct in Mardol, Goldsmiths in the Square and Nisa Local and Bicton Heath Post Office.

John Hall, chair of Shop in the Loop, said: "It's great that so many shops are taking part in this 'Wonderful Wednesday' initiative – it shows that Shrewsbury is alive and kicking as a retail centre."

A new Shop in the Loop leaflet, which includes a town guide, has also been launched as part of the campaign and will be distributed throughout Shrewsbury and major towns within a one hour drive.

The promotion is part of a bigger campaign by Destination Shrewsbury to bring more visitors to the town.

By Rhea Parsons