Est. 1854 | Price £1.20
Thursday, November 17, 2022
SCHEME AIMS TO BOOST BUSINESS
Firms and retailers asked to fund plan to enhance economic vitality of town centre
PAUL JENKINS
newsroom@mnamedia.co.uk
Bridgnorth retailers and businesses are being invited to a special meeting next week to explore the possibility of the town forming business improvement district (BID).
The meeting, at Castle Hall on Thursday, November 24, at 7pm, has been set up by Bridgnorth Town Council and Love Bridgnorth – although any decision to form a BID will be very much one for the businesses of the town. The meeting will hear from Seb Slater, manager of the Shrewsbury BID, who has offered to speak at the meeting to explain what is involved and what could be the advantages and disadvantages of such a move. Currently, Shrewsbury and Oswestry are the only towns to have BIDs in Shropshire and the Oswestry business community recently voted to renew their BID after a successful initial five years. Town mayor Karen Sawbridge said: “We urge as many businesses as possible – of all sizes, from manufacturers to retailers, professional services to hospitality, to attend.” A BID works by businesses paying a levy against their rateable values. Smaller businesses below a certain threshold would not have to pay the levy. Mrs Sawbridge added: “We are all aware that times are stressful for businesses at the moment. That said, if there are clearly demonstrable benefits, it could really help Bridgnorth and the whole business community.”
Pub is on a roll with its second loo award
Tributes paid on day of remembrance
Bridgnorth boasted a huge turnout for its Remembrance Sunday wreath-laying, with families, service personnel and community leaders gathering to pay their respects. On a mild, sunny morning, the RAF Cosford band marched through the streets of Bridgnorth towards the Castle Grounds for a service led by Royal British Legion chair John Whitty. Mr Whitty said: “I am very proud of all of you on this very important day, Remembrance Sunday. Let us never forget the sacrifices made from 1914 to the present.” This year, tributes were paid to two lifelong members of the Royal British Legion branch who had recently died, one being the last Second World War veteran to have lived in the town. A special mention was also given to the 255 British personnel who died during the Falklands War, in 1982, commemorating its 40th anniversary this year. Prayers were said and a two-minute silence was observed before the laying of the wreaths at the war memorial. Representatives from groups including Shropshire Fire and Rescue, Bridgnorth’s WI, St John Ambulance, Shropshire Council, Bridgnorth Town Council, Army Cadets, the police, Royal Naval Association, RAF Cosford, Royal Marines Association and West Midlands Ambulance Service attended. l Pictures – Page 6
Van crash closes part of town bypass
Flushed with success – Katie Totney and Kirstie Fereday from the Jewel of the Severn, celebrate the pub’s award A Bridgnorth pub has won acclaim for the quality and standards of its toilets – in the Loo of the Year Awards 2022. The Jewel of the Severn on High Street in Bridgnorth has been awarded a platinum rating by inspectors for the second year running. It is well-earned recognition
for the hard work and dedication of staff at the pub who ensure the loos remain a pleasant visiting experience for customers. The awards are aimed at highlighting and improving standards of ‘away from home’ toilet provision across the UK. Loo of the Year Awards inspectors made unan-
nounced visits to thousands of toilets at sites across the UK, in order to judge them. Licensee Becky Jaundrell said: “We are delighted with the award. Staff at the pub ensure the toilets are in excellent condition at all times and it is great that all their hard work has been recognised.”
Police closed part of a road on the outskirts of Bridgnorth after a crash left a van on its side, with motorists being urged to seek alternative routes. The van driver was taken to hospital after firefighters helped him from the vehicle, although they said he had not been trapped in the crash, which happened at about 12.20pm on Monday. The driver was treated for nonlife threatening injuries. Heavy traffic was reported on the A458 bypass outside Bridgnorth after police closed the lane going down the hill.
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