Originally, the Oswestry Footfall Project was but a nice idea: take the empty shops, clean them up, put in displays and exhibitions, make them more attractive to potential buyers.
A nice idea, but would it work?
Well, from it's beginnings, which took a great deal of preparatory work in finding landlords, establishing relationships, getting clarity of purpose and determination to implement their concept, there is no doubt in my mind that Footfall has been an overwhelming success in Oswestry.
Shops which had lain empty for many months were transformed by the Footfall team into potential retail opportunities and would soon be rented and a new business opened. The examples are there for all to see.
The Footfall team have become an integral part in keeping the Oswestry high-street fresh and interesting, bringing in community exhibitions from the railways and schools, art and heritage exhibitions, always adding value to the shopfront landscape.
I simply wanted to applaud the work of Wendy Unwin at The Gates Gifts, Nicki Young at Shropshire Council, and the whole Footfall team who have worked so hard with such great and inspiring results.
THANK YOU!
To find out more about FOOTFALL, check out their website. Or visit The Gates Gifts, along Church Street opposite St. Oswalds.
