Plans to de-clutter Oakengates High Street to promote trade and town pride have been revealed after officials called on the community to join a new regeneration partnership.
Traders and residents are being urged to take part in a new group to assist with plans to spruce up the town and help businesses prosper.
Plans include ideas for an initiative, similar to the English Heritage Street for All Agenda, which would see the removal of unnecessary street signs and furniture helping the high street return to a more traditional look.
Sean Kelly, Oakengates borough councillor, said plans will be funded by £500k Borough Towns Initiative and could help reverse decline and generate pride.
Landscape architect, David Orr, has been commissioned to help with work.
“We have a small pot of money to de-clutter the High Street and make it more aesthetically pleasing,” said Councillor Kelly. “We have commissioned the work of a landscape architect and he can assist in the de-cluttering, returning to a more traditional feel.
“We have drawn up plans for when the partnership is up and running.”
Councillor Kelly said he would like to see the new partnership operating by late September.
“It is vitally important we have a new partnership up and running at the earliest possibility.”
Councillor Kelly said the new partnership should include traders, residents, local organisations, church groups, Telford & Wrekin Council and Oakengates Parish Council.
“It is important for the partnership to be as widely represented as possible by as many organisations within the community,” he said. “We want this to be driven from the bottom up.
“It is very exciting. Residents and traders have waited a long time for Oakengates to be regenerated.
“The future of Oakengates is a prosperous one.
“We want our local businesses to prosper. Residents and traders deserve it.”
Micheal Taylor, English Heritage historic area advisor for the West Midlands, said he was delighted to hear Oakengates plans to use ideas from their Streets for All Agenda.
People interested in joining the partnership are urged to call Councillor Sean Kelly on 07794813509 or email him at sean.kelly@telford.gov.uk