The “pocket park” in Shoplatch has been created to make the most of a traffic-free part of the town, designed to encourage people to spend more time in the town centre.

It’s all part of a campaign by Shrewsbury Business Improvement District to take advantage of essential gas repair work which is underway in the High Street.

Yesterday Original Shrewsbury tweeted:

Businesses in Shoplatch, Shrewsbury Market Hall, Shropshire Council and Shrewsbury Town Centre have all been involved to help bring the project to life.

The idea is for informal events, music and other activities to take place in the park - replacing the busy through traffic which usually use the road.

Seb Slater, executive director of Shrewsbury BID, said: “It has been a real team effort and we think the pocket park looks great. Business owners have been really positive about getting involved and we hope it helps to create a positive impression that Shrewsbury is very much open for business.

“Essential roadworks like this which involve road closures will inevitably cause some inconvenience, so we are really keen to give people even more reasons to visit Shrewsbury."

Gwen Burgess from Darwin's Cafe, said: "The park has turned a negative into a positive. What could have been a disaster will now be a real benefit to the Shoplatch businesses."

Judy Bourne of Monks estate agents, said the pocket park was been used in the first hour of it opening.

Among those enjoying the sun were a group of Shrewsbury Sixth Form students.

Dani Nicholas, 17, from Shrewsbury, said: "Its brilliant. Apart from the Quarry there aren't many places to go to outside at lunchtimes. We will certainly be coming here more often."

For more information about what will be happening in the park during May and June, visit originalshrewsbury.co.uk