Council bites back with charm offensive

In response to claims it is not supporting local traders and business, Welshpool Town Council has launched a charm offensive with an offer to meet disgruntled shopkeepers and a promotional blitz on Tesco shoppers.

 

The Council has come in for criticism over the last fortnight over its part in the new ‘one-wait’ fiasco that has got residents hot under the collar. And last week a shopkeeper revealed to mywelshpool that his takings were down 20 per cent last week compared to the same period a year before blaming the traffic chaos.

 

But this weekend, the Town Council has hit back saying it is the victim of “overdone” bad press in the local newspapers and outlined how it will distribute 10,000 flyers to Tesco shoppers promoting the town centre and its businesses.

 

“I can feel for the shops,” said Town Clerk Robert Robinson, who said he is willing to meet disillusioned shopkeepers at their convenience. “But the trade drop is not due to the one-way system which has run well since its first morning. The local bad press, which was overdone, has been the problem for them.

 

“We should focus on the positive news, which is the fact that the empty shops are going to be filled and the main street is now easier to cross. The one-way system is better and settling down.

 

“To help local trade, the Town Council has produced a town centre leaflet (10,000 copies) to go out with all customers from Tesco and around the town to let everyone know what is on offer in Welshpool.”

 

Tesco is scheduled to open its doors for business on Monday, March 14.