Shrewsbury’s Best High Street Recognition Expected to Enhance Visitor Numbers and Local Morale

The Business Improvement District (BID) in Shrewsbury has stated that the town’s recognition as the location of Britain’s premier high street is anticipated to attract additional visitors and foster a sense of local pride. This commendation was bestowed upon Shrewsbury by The Telegraph newspaper, which additionally lauded Wyle Cop and the local market, describing the vicinity as “ideal for wandering and window shopping”. This award is among several honors the town has received throughout the current year, notably including Britain’s Favourite Market 2024. Seb Slater, representing the BID, commented, “You just see the buzz that’s created immediately when you get something like this.” He further informed BBC Radio Shropshire, “The message will go out regionally, nationally…. we think visitors will definitely come on the back of that.” Slater added, “It instils that local pride, people just suddenly say ‘yeah, this is my town and we’re winning national awards’.” The BID was informed that Shrewsbury was a contender for the award and was requested to “sell the story of Shrewsbury”. Mr Slater explained, “We sent a load of stuff their way about the amazing shops we’ve got, and the history, the heritage… and then we just found out on the day when it got published.” The newspaper characterized Wyle Cop, with its 39 listed buildings, as “hard to beat”. It continued, “It really is a very special street, and even in quite challenging times for retail, you see all the shops pretty much filled.” Furthermore, Shrewsbury received three awards this year at the Heart of England in Bloom competition. Mr Slater remarked, “The heritage environment, those 600 listed buildings just create the most wonderful environment for people to come and spend time, and then you add on our independent shops.” For further updates, BBC Shropshire can be followed on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Information regarding the BBC’s policy on external linking is available.