A GROUP focusing on the revitalisation and development of Oswestry’s high street is making empty properties in the town one of its main focuses.

The Future Oswestry Group, run by Oswestry BID, Shropshire Council and Oswestry Town Council is looking at ways to reduce the number of empty units, shops and properties in the area.

In a bid to bring more people into the high street, the group wants to work alongside the landlords of the empty properties and work more closely with them to discuss better uses for their buildings.

Oswestry BID manager Adele Nightingale believes the idea is a step in the right direction for the town.

She said: “We’re looking at ways in which we can revitalise some of the empty units and properties in the town.

“We want to look at how we can work with landlords to see how they can make their buildings and properties more useful for the town.

“Oswestry BID is only a part of this wider team, but it’s all about ensuring we work together to achieve the best outcome for the area.”

Mrs Nightingale also believes that although there are some empty properties in Oswestry, the area has nowhere near as many empty units as other nearby towns and cities.

“I do think we have some empty properties here, but in comparison with some other towns and cities, we’re doing really well,” she said.

“Some people might think the situation is not the best here, but it’s a lot worse elsewhere.

“We want to act now and step in early while it isn’t so bad so we can prevent the town from declining as a result of empty units.

“We want to look at encouraging more independent shops into the area.

“Unfortunately, the high streets across the country will never be what they once were, but we have some great independent shops in our town, so we need to focus on that.

“We have to look at the success stories this town has in terms of independent businesses to attract similar businesses which would thrive in the area.

“I definitely agree with the idea going forward and I think it is part of a wider idea to keep the town presentable and tidy.

“Things like this will help to raise the profile of the town and could potentially encourage investment from people and businesses which had never really considered Oswestry before.”