Oswestry mayor hits back at critics over shops
The Mayor of Oswestry has hit back at critics who say the town council isn't doing enough to breathe new life into its shopping centre.
Councillor Martin Bennett said the council's income depended on Oswestry's markets and shops, and claimed that 'if the town centre is hurting then we hurt with it'.
Councillor Bennett said the authority was behind a number of projects to revitalise the town centre and increase the number of shops, including offering specialist advice for people wanting to start a business, and providing events and attractions.
Speaking at a civic dinner, he said there had been 'grumbles' Oswestry Town Council was not interested in the town centre.
He said: "That is simply not true. As the owner and operator of the major car parks in the town and the market, the town council has a considerable stake in the vitality and viability of the town centre.
"About 70 per cent of our £1 million turnover each year comes from the income from markets, car parks and rent from town centre property. If the town centre is hurting then we hurt with it.
"In addition to the £250,000 a year we spend in supporting local businesses through goods and services we buy, we make the town look inviting – from floral planters to Christmas lights and organise events like the food festival."
He said the council was working to improve the markets and bring in new tra-ders. And he said Oswestry faced a serious threat with national shops such as Currys and Thomas Cook announcing their closure.
"The internet represents potentially the most significant challenge to all the large retailers as it changes the way people shop and their expectations about shopping," Councillor Bennett said.
"Cross Street is looking very sad for itself. We have survived, adapted and thrived in the past. We have done it before and I am sure that we can do it again against the new, slow and inexorable tide of economic and social change which has recently been making its mark on our town centre."
