Having published the results of his Shop Local Surveys in Ludlow and Bridgnorth, Stuart has revealed the feedback from residents in other parts of South Shropshire. Stuart has found out what residents like most and which barriers prevent them from making the most of our local market towns and high streets.
"From speaking to fellow residents in South Shropshire, I know that our market towns and high streets are held in the highest regard by people near and far. However, local businesses have reported many challenges operating in the area. They face increased costs and reduced footfall at the same time as vital government support has been withdrawn. To support the revival of our high streets, I sought local views through my Shop Local Survey. These results shape the my plan to unleash rural prosperity."
Headline Results:
1,920 responses were received to my wider 'Shop Local' survey between 5th September and 11th November 2025. 41 residents run local businesses.
For most (533) people, Church Stretton is their nearest high street. This is followed by Ludlow (274), Much Wenlock (193), Cleobury Mortimer (174), Bishop's Castle (170), Broseley (148), Bridgnorth (147), Shrewsbury (79), Craven Arms (74), Highley (41), Clun (33), and Bewdley (23).
Other responses regarded Knighton (5), Welshpool (5), Dorrington (4), Kidderminster (2), Minsterley (2), and Bucknell (2). Single entries regarded Chirbury, Claverley, Condover, Leominster, Tenbury Wells, and Winstanstow.
Most people (1,368) people often visit their high street. 348 people sometimes visit. 144 people rarely visit. 23 people never visit.
Of the 1,850 people who responded to this question, this frequency had stayed the same for most (1,301). However, this had decreased for 399 people. It had increased for 150.
Most people (1,413) visit their high street mainly visit for food and drink. 285 people visit for groceries. 71 people visit for health and personal care. 42 people visit for clothing. 23 visit for services. 41 people visit for other reasons.
Of the 1,850 people who responded to this question, 810 were encouraged to visit their local high street due to its accessibility and distance. 586 people cited parking, while 242 cited opening hours. 105 people cited the range of services. 28 people cited the atmosphere. 90 people cited other reasons, including visiting specific shops or accessing particular services such as doctors and chemists.
Of the 1,530 people who responded to this question, most (700) people are discouraged to visit their high street due to parking arrangements. 244 people are discouraged by prices, while 237 people are discouraged by the range of services. 133 people are discouraged by opening hours, 47 by accessibility and distance from home, 31 said they were not discouraged, and 26 cited the atmosphere. In addition, 98 people cited other reasons including anti-social behaviour, the number of empty shops, and the lack of facilites like banks, post office, and opticians.
Business Results:
Of the 48 businesses that responded, most (12) operate in the retail sector. This is followed by hospitality (11), health, fitness, and personal care (5), professional services (4), farming (3), housing (3), and construction (2). Other sectors include tourism, arts and crafts, interior design, tourism, animal care, and groceries.
Most (37) businesses felt moderately optimistic about their business in the current economic climate - giving it a score of three or more out of five. 11 businesses gave it a score of one or two. Of the 47 businesses that responded, this had decreased for 18. It had increased for 6. It had stayed the same for 23 businesses.
Most (38) businesses reported that energy prices had been bad or very bad. This has followed by tax hikes (27), supply chain costs (26), and parking restrictions (14).