Business and political leaders have responded positively to news that Market Drayton is to share in a £3 million boost for Shropshire’s market towns.
The money is from Shropshire Council’s Market Towns Revitalisation Programme to support businesses, promote housing and improve services in the county’s market towns.
Shropshire Council Leader Keith Barrow announced on Monday that Market Drayton would be among six county towns to share an initial £2.5 million for new projects.
Residents will find out more on Wednesday when the next Market Drayton and Rural Areas local joint committee meeting takes place at the Festival Drayton Centre at 7pm.
Councillor Barrow said: “Despite the current economic climate, we are investing £3 million into our market towns because we realise it is absolutely vital that our local economy does not slip.
“We want to do this in a really open and transparent way, led by local councillors – including town and parish councillors – and involving residents. We will be visiting local joint committee meetings to talk to people and to hear their views about what kinds or projects are needed in their area.”
Councillor Barrow also confirmed that villages around Market Drayton will be able to bid for a share of a separate £1 million cash fund.
Clive Chapman from Drayton Civic Society said: “This programme is very welcome, with its aim of making towns more attractive to businesses and residents.
“It will fit in well with the community-led town plan, which has the task of capturing the aspirations and needs of local ratepayers.”
Market Drayton Chamber of Trade chairman Councillor Roy Aldcroft said: “We’re very pleased to hear this news, given the financial situation. It will be interesting to hear what comes out of the consulations regarding likely projects from members of our community.”
Town and Shropshire councillor Roger Hughes said: “This is very good news for Market Drayton but very early days as we have a long way to go yet in deciding how best to invest this money in order to make a difference.
The programme was welcomed by North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson who said: “I think this is good news for Market Drayton and it shows the merits of allowing local councils to be given money and power to choose local projects which fit in with the local economy.”
By Winston Brown