Work to make Wem more welcoming to visitors is a step closer after members of the town’s Better Welcome steering group met with planners.
Plans to transform Wem into a creative hub includes art exhibitions, music events, improved signage, and enhancing the town’s historical sites to encourage visitors.
Part of the project is a walking trail to take visitors on different paths around the town, pointing out historical, cultural and architectural interests, with public artwork serving as signs. At a meeting last Thursday, May 7, project leaders looked at different ways the trail could take visitors, and where the signs would go.
Three local artists – Al Smith, Linda Barlow and Jenny Foord – have been chosen to be involved with the project following portfolio interviews.
Jenny, who will be responsible for creating the artwork for the trails, said it was hoped the project would be completed by December, but because of planning issues, it was expected to take longer.
The Wem Better Welcome steering group includes representatives from Thomas Adams School, Wem Town Hall Project, Wem Town Council, Mythstories and local business people.
Pauline Dee, Wem Town Mayor, said: “It is a community-based project involving local people and will improve Wem and make it more attractive as a tourist destination.”
Work was given the green light last year after Advantage West Midlands gave £25,000 to Wem as part of the Better Welcome Programme. The former North Shropshire District Council also donated £5,000 towards the project. Residents were invited to make comments about what makes Wem special at a meeting in February, and were asked to post their ideas in a suggestion box in Wem Library.
