Traders join forces to keep their Shrewsbury street alive
A new traders group has begun a campaign to highlight the effect of roadworks and a hike in business rates on businesses on one of Shrewsbury's most popular streets.
The Wyle Cop Traders Group has been established and Jenny Thomas, who manages a number of shops in the street and elsewhere in the town, said Wyle Cop was a Shrewsbury treasure that needed to be cherished.
She said: “We have had roadworks going on since the beginning of the year and traders are starting to struggle.
“Business rates have disproportionately risen in this street compared to other streets in this town too.
“We are the longest street of independent traders in this county town and there are more listed buildings here than the rest of town too.
“I feel quite passionately about Wyle Cop, the vibe is so friendly, hospitable and welcoming so it must not be ignored by the powers that be.
“The message of this campaign is ‘Wyle Cop Welcomes You’.”
Mrs Thomas said in 2010 the rateable value of one of the shops on Wyle Cop was £2,570 - this year it is £38,750. An increase of 1,500per cent.
She said because the traders are independent they haven’t got the time to market or PR themselves but the community have really come together to highlight the unique area.
They are now relying on monthly meetings to help each other out.
James Evans from Halls Commercial said: “Over the years we have been instructed on a large number of buildings along Wyle Cop and we believe it to be a fantastic place to set up a business.
“We have found that other independent businesses are attracted there because of the high number already occupying units in Wyle Cop.”
Jenny said the aim of the Wyle Cop Traders group is to attract people to the road as a destination - and then further on into town.
For more information about the group email wylecop1@gmail.com
