One-way bid opposed by town leaders

Church Stretton Town Council received more than 150 feedback forms on the enhancement plans following three public meetings and a consultation last month.

A number of proposals of have been put forward for the town centre, including a 20mph speed limit, widening the pavement on the eastern side of the High Street and installing a raised pedestrian crossing at the junction of Easthope Road and Sandford Avenue.

The town council supported the first two proposals but rejected the third.

Plans to convert space in the market square to a combined loading bay for delivery vehicles and short term parking were deferred for consideration at a later date and there was broad support for a coach drop off point in the town.

Shropshire Council will make the final decision on the enhancements based on the town council's recommendations and public consultation.

Jane van Doesburg, chairman of the Church Stretton Chamber of Trade, told yesterday's meeting of the town council: "Any changes which make it hard for people to park and shop in the town, we would see as disastrous.

"The success of small towns like Church Stretton is for people to be able to park freely and shop and do business."

Martin Huszak, also from the town's chamber of trade, warned that its members were united in opposition to the scheme.

He said: "It was unanimous in the chamber that a one-way system would be detrimental."

Following discussions on how parking might be improved in line with the enhancement plans, the council decided that its economic development committee would investigate options to be submitted to Shropshire Council under its parking strategy.