Boost for B&B accommodation in Oswestry

B&B accommodation in Oswestry and the surrounding area has received a major boost after being awarded £115,000 from Shropshire Council’s Market Towns Revitalisation Programme. 

The money will be used as a grant scheme which local B&Bs can bid for to support capital expenditure such as additional bedrooms, structural alterations to improve access, installation of lifts, en-suite facilities and installation of wi-fi and broadband. 

£75,000 is being made available to town B&Bs through the Oswestry Market Town Revitalisation Programme, with an additional £40,000 made available to B&Bs in the surrounding area, which is being jointly funded by the Oswestry Market Town Revitalisation Programme and the Rural Challenge Fund. 

The focus of this grant scheme is to improve B&B accommodation (new and existing) in the area and, in particular, to increase the number of bedrooms available so people can stay overnight. 

John Hurst-Knight, Shropshire Council’s deputy Cabinet member, said:

“I am delighted that this money is being made available to local businesses.  Hopefully it’ll encourage people to visit and, more importantly, stay in the town and surrounding areas for longer.” 

Keith Barrow, Shropshire Councillor for Oswestry South and Leader, said:

“We have introduced this grant scheme to help stimulate further investment in tourism and I have no doubt that this will give Owestry’s visitor economy a considerable boost.  It’s a lovely market town with lots to offer.” 

Vince Hunt, Shropshire Councillor for Oswestry West, said:

“This is yet another example of how we are using innovative ways to stimulate the fantastic tourist offer that Oswestry has.  I am delighted that we can help in this way.” 

Martin Bennett, a Shropshire Councillor for Oswestry East, and Oswestry Town Mayor, said:

“The recent studies carried out for Shropshire Council and Oswestry Town Council make it clear that, although we are doing reasonably well for day visitors, we need to find ways to attract people who will stay longer in the area.  I hope this funding will enable existing B&Bs to improve their facilities and encourage others to increase the amount of provision.  I am particularly pleased that the funding will be administered in a partnership between the town council and Shropshire Council, and the Tourism Association.” 

B&B accommodation is defined as a private residence with rooms which are set aside for overnight guests whose paid accommodation includes a breakfast. 

B&Bs wishing to apply for the funding are expected to request the minimum amount of grant needed to deliver the project and provide match funding from their own sources.  Up to 50% grant is available, and the maximum grant initially available is £5,000.  Applicants will need to demonstrate that the accommodation will be DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) compliant.  Application forms can be collected from Oswestry Town Council.