Church Stretton revamp plans go on show

Detailed architect's drawings for the £70,000 revamp of Church Stretton town centre went on show today after half a decade of delays, rethinks and controversy.

Two different design options have been made public by Shropshire Council and are now on display at venues across the town. A third option is for no change.

Both design schemes involve widening pavements, but only one includes a new one-way system on the High Street from the junction with Sandford Avenue to the Lion Meadow roundabout.

There are also different options about whether to cut or maintain the level of on-street parking.

Mayor Bob Welch said it was an important step towards seeing the long-awaited scheme completed and urged residents to help shape the final design.

Mr Welch revealed he had made a "further urgent request" on Monday for Shropshire Council to publish the plans, which had been due to be released at the start of this month.

He said: "I was getting concerned they weren't sticking to the agreed consultation period as we have been asking for the plans for a few days now.

"We will hold a public exhibition on June 15 and I'd encourage people to come along and see the different options that are being proposed."

Transport planners and town and county councillors will meet residents from 3pm to 7pm at the Silvester Horne Institute to discuss the drawings.

They are particularly keen to hear which elements of the plans residents view as being most important.

A report on the consultation, including Shropshire Council's recommendations, is due to be submitted to the town council on July 26.