Re-think over Welshpool’s future

 

Developers pulled the plug on the retail park after widespread opposition and in light of the similar sized development across the canal on the Tesco site which has still not got off the ground despite the promise of being open by (last) Christmas.

 

“I think it has been a case of too much too soon,” said Town Clerk Robert Robinson. “There will be a new council in place in May and one of their first jobs is to collectively review the town plan this summer.”

 

Welshpool has undergone widespread change over the past two years, with Tesco opening a store on the former Smithfield market site which was shunted out of town to Buttington Cross.

 

The success of that project spurred the announcement of four more shopping units on the Tesco site, and while a number of national retailers have been linked, only Home Bargains applied for county council permission and it appears that the site will be mothballed, leaving an eye sore behind.

 

Across the road, Marston’s continues to build its new restaurant and pub but the Spar Car Park development was another step too far.

 

“Things have changed since the last town plan was adopted,” explained Mr Robinson. “The recession has hit the retail sector hard and internet shopping has grown at a rate that none of us could have imagined. The new council will decide the new direction the town needs to take in consultation with the residents of the town.”