Twelve months ago Ellesmere was a town in difficulty as empty buildings lined the streets and investment in the area was at an all time low.
Well-established shops such as Eden Veg in Cross Street closed with owners saying they were unable to carry on in the face of the recession and competition from the newly-opened Tesco. But Tesco bosses hit back, saying its arrival had not sounded a death knell for independent traders, adding that the store, opened last July, created 140 jobs for the local 
economy.
Civic leaders remained positive and looked forward to 2010 with a new sense of optimism. They had every reason to be as at the end of last year Ellesmere outshone big centres including Nottingham and Cheltenham in a nationwide mystery shopping survey which revealed the town boasted Britain’s 11th best shopping experience
Now into March, residents have been met with the exciting news that old buildings are being re-developed and new shops are being set-up – leaving only three empty in the town.
Since the beginning of the year we have heard how developers want to restore the former town hall in The Square into a restaurant and bar complex.
Geoff Elner, a town councillor and former mayor, said: “It will provide a facility we don’t have and return the building to something useful for the community.”
Improvements
Campaigners have also welcomed news that Ellesmere Market Hall will undergo a £1 million revamp ,which marks the end of a long wait for improvements to the site.
The hall on Scotland Street will be completely refurbished and have a new floor put in after funding was set aside by Shropshire Council.
A new cafe, improved disabled access and meeting rooms will also feature.
Lincoln McMullan, chairman of Ellesmere Chamber of Commerce, said his members were all delighted at the news.
“It’s a really positive step and there’s nothing negative about it. Ellesmere will get an improved market hall and we’re losing nothing at all.”
Under the plans, the town’s library and Infolink office would be relocated to the enhanced market hall.
Newly-opened shops now line the streets including Ellesmere Miniatures on Market Street, which specialises in dolls houses.
On Tuesday, a cake shop opened its doors to the public for the first time while a bridal shop will also open in the near future.
Mr McMullan added: “Ellesmere has suffered the same as other market towns during the recession, but we have always had the advantage of hosting more than eight festivals a year and having places like the Mere to visit.
“Times have been difficult over the last twelve months, but we have been given a number of boosts since the start of the year and the future for the town looks bright.”
By James Pugh