Start date for multi-million pound Shifnal town centre improvements

The Shifnal Town Centre Improvement Scheme, also known as the Shifnal Integrated Transport Scheme, is due to get underway on July 26 and see upgrades to the area including improved drainage, safer footpaths, the widening of kerbs and new junctions and pedestrian crossings.

The £2.7 million initiative, which has been in development since 2013, aims to address the mounting burden placed on the town's infrastructure by significant housing development in recent years.

It includes plans to ease congestion and slow vehicles down as they approach the junction joining Aston Street, Victoria Road, Bradford Street and Market Place.

It will also include realigning and increasing capacity at key junctions, resurfacing of roads, landscaping and tree planting, pavement improvements and new street furniture.

With the tender being issued for the scheme earlier this week, it is being delivered using developer funds through Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

Excellent

Councillor Steve Davenport, head of highways and transport for Shropshire Council, confirmed the work is set to take at least until the end of the year.

He added: "It's going to be excellent in Shifnal and uplift the town centre.

"It will help traffic flow through the town centre and give it a much-needed lift.

"This has been negotiated through Shropshire Council and the town council.

"I've spent a lot of time there along with highways officers and this has been agreed by everyone – it's going to be a great new look for the town."

A description of the scheme released with the tender states: "The public realm enhancement works comprise constructing new kerb lines, widening existing footways, updating drainage systems, realigning existing junctions and improving pedestrian crossing points.

"Footways are to be re-paved with high quality blocks and the carriageways are to be reconstructed, including raised tables with coloured junction areas.

"Footways are to be improved to give more area for pedestrians with seating and landscaped features.

"Traffic signs are to be renewed and landscaping features consisting of new signs, benches, bins, planters and tree pits are included."