THE lack of taxis in Oswestry was one of the issues raised with the area’s MP as she was out and about in the town last week.

North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan visited a series of businesses around Oswestry’s main retail streets  to hear their views and suggestions for improving the economic landscape in the town.

She was joined by Oswestry Business Improvement District (BID) manager Adele Nightingale, stopping off at several local cafes, shops, and newly-opened bar The Lounge in Cross Street.

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She said: “Our market towns need thriving high streets.

“It was really useful to get to speak with independent business owners across Oswestry, to hear their views on what we can do to continue making the town flourish.

“We spoke a lot about the need for rate reform and the lack of decent transport links of all sorts – whether that’s taxis, buses, or the need for a rail link to town.

“I’m committed to taking these concerns down with me to Parliament and continuing to campaign for improvements that will help entrepreneurs here in north Shropshire.”

Business rates were a consistent theme, with the point made that high street businesses pay a rate premium that doesn’t reflect modern shopping patterns – and pushes firms to out-of-town sites.

Another problem raised by bars and pubs in town is the lack of taxis.

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The MP has pledged to raise this with Shropshire Council and support high-street shops in their ambitions to boost local transport links.

Ms Nightingale added: “We welcomed Helen’s visit to Oswestry.

“It gave a number of our businesses the opportunity to talk directly to Helen and let her know the issues they are currently facing and what help and support they need to not only continue to trade but to thrive.”