Big names in town BID
Some of Oswestry's biggest High Street names say they are backing plans to transform the town into a Business Improvement District - and are urging other businesses do the same.
The move has the potential to lever in an extra £1.5 million to improve the town but only if the proposal for a levy on business rates are given the go-ahead in a ballot launched today.
Bosses at Sainsbury's, Boots and Marks & Spencer say they are backing the move and are hoping all firms taking part in the referendum will vote yes.
Manager of Sainsbury's in the town, Allister Moutrie, said: "Oswestry is a wonderful town with a lot going for it. But it can not be denied that it needs a little push at the moment and I believe BID can do just that.
"We see real opportunities here to raise the game for Oswestry as a whole. By working together we stand a real chance of making Oswestry a really great place for the people who live here as well as for the businesses themselves.”
Adam Shillock from Boots who has made Oswestry his family home said: " Boots has always championed the important role high streets play at the heart of communities across the UK. Partnership and community are key to our values.
"They believe in the importance of strong local high streets and industrial as a key driver for the future of retail in the UK, as well as the regeneration of local communities.
"I'm excited about the potential of bringing together Oswestry's business community in shaping a new economic future full of innovation and creative enterprise which really inspires and delivers real purpose and promise."
If there is a yes vote each business with a rateable value of £12,000 and above will have to pay the levy.
