A funding boost from Central Government will provide a welcome opportunity to research and develop traffic management schemes within Shrewsbury, according to the leader of the Town Council.
Councillor Alan Mosley has welcomed yesterday’s news of a six-year, £12 billion package of growth deals across England’s 39 Local Enterprise Partnerships.
These allow authorities and businesses to decide priorities for investment in roads, buildings and facilities.
The Marches LEP, which covers Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Herefordshire, has been allocated £75.3 million for seven schemes.
Part of the growth package includes changes to six major junctions around Shrewsbury as well as variable messaging signs for traffic and car parks, town centre traffic management, improvements to shopping areas including Pride Hill, signs for pedestrians around the river loop and pedestrian and bicycle links to the town centre.
Councillor Alan Mosley, leader of Shrewsbury Town Council, said he was delighted by the news.
“This is excellent news for Shrewsbury and we can look forward to joining Shropshire Council and other partners in developing plans which will ensure that Shrewsbury continues as the vibrant hub for Shropshire and beyond,” he said.
“The funding boost provided by the LEP should allow research, consultation and development much needed traffic management schemes for the Town Centre, hopefully building upon schemes currently being undertaken by Shropshire Council, with support from Shrewsbury Town Council. With a comprehensive strategy I hope that we can make the Centre, and surrounding areas, even more attractive and pedestrian friendly for the benefit of shoppers, businesses, visitors and residents alike.”