Church Stretton travel hub taks first steps

The first steps have been made in a bid to create a multi-million pound travel hub to attract coachloads of tourists in Church Stretton and regenerate a nearby business park.

Enthusiasts behind plans for the travel hub near the town's railway station off the A49 have revealed they are close to securing £13,000 in funding for a feasibility study.

It would also include looking at ways to revitalise the Mynd Industrial Estate, which has empty units.

Councillor Bob Welch, mayor of Church Stretton, said he had consultants lined up who were prepared to waive half of their fees to help develop the project.

The cash will be provided by the Sustainable Development Fund run by Shropshire Hills AONB Partnership, Church Stretton Town Council and potentially Strettondale Local Joint Committee.

He said: "We have now got the money for developing a feasibility study on developing a travel and information hub which would have all the facilities we need to attract coach companies and visitors.

"We have developed a business plan for proposals for the coach park area and the Mynd Industrial Estate — we want to promote the economic regeneration of the town and there are at least four units there not being used."

Councillor Welch confirmed plans for a coach-drop-off point in Beaumont Road were still possible.

He said coach drivers had told him there was a need for a drop-off area and said he wanted to attract "coachloads" of tourists.