Three new businesses are planned to breathe fresh life into Wem, creating jobs and boosting the economy.
A new launderette is planned for the town’s former fire station while two shops are to replace an old coffee shop in Leek Street.
The planning applications sent to North Shropshire District Council have been approved by the town council and are waiting to be given the nod by the district in February.
These plans mean the coffee shop in the town will be demolished and replaced by two shops with two flats above.
Under the proposals alterations will also be made to the car park and a footpath will be created.
Daniel Williams, proprietor, said the two proposed shops would be taken up by businesses who will be looking to employ more staff. He said: “There is also going to be two flats above the shops for low income owners.”
A second application has also been submitted to the council for permission to demolish a showroom, two corrugated nissan huts and sheds to allow the proposed re-development of five dwellings, two flats, and a unit for the use as a laundrette at 67 Aston Street, Wem.
The application to change the showroom into a laundrette has been proposed by Jean Bailey who ran the furniture shop, Bailey’s, in the town for 26 years.
The site, which used to be Wem’s fire station, has been run by Mrs Bailey and, after her husband died, she continued trading until she retired. She now wishes to turn the land into a laundrette and hopes it will encourage people to stay in Wem and use its facilities.
She said: “I am just doing my bit to keep encourage people to keep it local.”
Peggy Carson, district councillor for Wem, said: “These new developments will help breathe new life into the town.”
