Empty shop windows in Market Drayton are set for a makeover with stunning artwork from youngsters thanks to a new group in the town.
The idea of displaying the creative talents of schoolchildren and students in empty shop windows comes from members of Creative Drayton who unveiled their first display this week.
Artwork produced by Grove School students can now be seen in the window of the former National Farmers Union (NFU) offices in Maer Lane and talks are taking place to put displays in other empty shop windows in the town over the next few weeks.
Liz Upton from Creative Drayton said: “The group has been set up in order to try and tackle the problem of having more than 30 empty shops in Market Drayton town centre.
“Creative Drayton has the idea of putting artwork in the windows of these empty shops as a community-engaging project to help enhance the town centre.
Positive response
“Committee members have been in touch with local schools to collect artwork and there has been a very positive response from the schools, with pupils’ work being ready to display.
“The project will enhance the appearance of the town centre and children will take pride in their work being displayed, possibly encouraging their families to visit the town centre.”
The group has received financial support from the Chamber of Trade and Shropshire Council through its Market Drayton and Rural Areas Local Joint Committee.
Help has also come from Barbers Estate Agents, NFU and Shropshire Council’s community regeneration officer for Market Drayton, Lucy Roberts.
Creative Drayton chairman Mark Whittle said: “The standard of work coming out of the schools in Market Drayton really deserves to be celebrated and there are lots of people who have no idea just how good it is.
“By renting out empty shop window space for a couple of months, more people can become aware of the creative talent there is here.
“I think it’s very good news for the town because it’s going to make things look a lot better and stop empty shops from becoming eyesores.
“People have seen the work and are very happy with it, so we’ll be pushing forward with Creative Drayton.”
By Winston Brown
