Cash put up for conservation

Shropshire council to spend nearly £2m on restorations

A Shropshire council is planning major work to revitalise the centres of run down villages and market towns.

North Shropshire District Council is to spend nearly £2m on Market Drayton, Wem, Prees and Whitchurch over the next three years.

Grants will be awarded for building repairs, reinstatement of architectural features and environmental work.

A report found North Shropshire was still in economic decline, sparking the council's regeneration initiative.

Historic interest

A report presented to the council said although there had been ten years of grant initiatives, work was needed to bolster confidence in the local economy and stimulate private investment into run down areas.

The enhancement scheme would concentrate on buildings regarded as "at risk" and those of historic interest.

The report said all four of the centres chosen for the enhancement scheme have a distinct character and history but have a number of vacant commercial properties.

If owners of such buildings were unwilling or unable to make the repairs, the council said it would use its powers of enforcement to get the job done.