Plan for £4m Church Stretton travel hub

Ambitious plans to create a travel hub in Church Stretton as part of a gateway to the Shropshire Hills have been unveiled - and could cost up to £4 million.

Under the scheme, a interpretation centre will be built near the town's railway station and coach park off the A49.

The centre will be a central point for people to arrive by train or bus and access local services.

It will also include information for visitors about attractions in the area.

The idea is to encourage visitors to travel to the town without their cars and then use locally-run shuttle buses and electric and regular bicycles to explore the area.

Members of Church Stretton Area Partnership are trying to secure cash for a £15,000 feasibility study into the scheme. So far £7,500 has been provided by Business Link, which is supporting the project.

Negotiations have also started with the proprietors of nearby garages, which could be relocated to make way for the new centre.

Bob Welch, town mayor, said in the current climate it would be very difficult to attract the necessary funding, but added it was important to show it was a viable plan.

He said other groups backing the plan included the town's chamber of trade and local tourism groups.

He said: "The idea is to develop Church Stretton as a hub for the Shropshire Hills and the ideal location is next to the railway station and adjacent coach park off the A49 and we have had early discussions with garage proprietors.

"We want people to come here without their cars. We can then transfer them into shuttle buses or on to electric bikes or normal bikes, and it's aimed at promoting eco-friendly tourism development

"What we want is a facility to disperse visitors across the expanse of the AONB in such a way their impact does not adversely affect the quality of life of residents but adds vital to the local economy.

"We have developed a business plan in association with Business Link, which has also committed 50 per cent of the £15,000 cost for the feasibility study into the project. I'm urgently seeking funding from Shropshire Council and other organisations to enable the feasibility study to go ahead."