Shipston is one of 3 local market towns in Stratford District that have received a share in £1 Million as part of the "Better Welcome" campaign to encourage tourism.
In order to secure the award a community based group supported by Stratford-on-Avon District Council held a series of meetings about tourism in the town and a team of independent consultants carried out a Visitor Survey on their behalf. The £25,000 subsequently awarded to the Shipston Better Welcome Group will be spent on improving the range of information that is on offer to ensure people get the most out of their trip. Map-based information boards will promote the main retail area and other places of interest in the town, which are slightly off the beaten track. There will also be a series of plaques sited on the route of the existing heritage walk, which will highlight points of interest all over the town. Finally, to complete the project there will be improvements to town signage.
"Encouraging businesses in Shipston to grow by increasing the town's appeal through better signage and local information is something the District Council is whole-heartedly supporting," says Councillor Chris Williams, Portfolio Holder for Community Services.
"These projects will open up the whole town to visitors so they can enjoy the history, facilities and beautiful countryside of this tranquil market town."
Phil Roberts, partnerships director at Advantage West Midlands, said: "Developing and investing in our market towns is absolutely essential for the development of our region. Market towns are vital hubs and provide crucial services for the communities they serve.
"The Better Welcome programme is assisting many towns by making their tourism offer even better, perhaps by uncovering 'hidden gems' that tourists might not otherwise find. It's also encouraging local people and interest groups to play an active role in the future success and prosperity of their town."
