Artwork could spruce up empty Welshpool shops

Welshpool’s empty shops could be spruced up with artwork, but it depends whether the building owners are willing to support the Town Council’s initiative.

At this week’s Operations & Development Committee meeting, Cllr Phil Owen declared that “several premises are absolutely shocking” when councillors discussed what to do with the empty town centre shops.

A £500 budget has been earmarked for the project that could be used for promoting the town’s attractions in shop windows, but The Mayor, Cllr Bill Rowell, wants to see local art work from schools used to spruce them up.

“I think we should speak to the schools for paintings, and also create some material about the town itself,” he said.

After approval, it was agreed that Council officers should contact the owners of the vacant premises to gain permission through a written agreement.

In its report to councillors, the Town Council explained: “The proposed scheme would not seek to conceal the fact that premises are available. Instead, it would make empty properties more attractive while providing an opportunity to promote Welshpool, local attractions, events and the availability of the premises themselves.”

It pointed out that “vacant commercial premises can have a disproportionate effect on the appearance and perception of a town centre".

"Empty windows, deteriorating displays and visibly unused units can create an impression of decline even where the remainder of the town centre remains active," it said.

Officers will report back on progress at the next meeting.