Visitor number 1,750,000 for Oswestry information centre

Shropshire Council’s visitor information centre at Mile End in Oswestry has welcomed its one and three quarter millionth visitor.

The centre opened in 1987 and the notable landmark was reached on Bank Holiday Monday (2 May 2011).

Open seven days a week, the centre provides visitors to the Oswestry area with information about local events and attractions, and offers local people information on accommodation and attractions throughout the UK.

Staff at the centre can also advise on route planning, places to eat and entertainment venues, and offer theatre and event bookings, plus advice to local businesses.

The centre also acts as a showcase for local crafts, and sells maps, books and souvenirs, as well as local goods.

Honour Whitmore, manager of the centre, said:

“We were delighted to welcome our 1,750,000th visitor to the centre last weekend. The centre has been open for 24 years and three of the original staff – myself included – are still here! We also have three other part time staff and one casual member of the team, who are all invaluable.  We have been proud to serve and help every one of the visitors that have come through our doors over the years and look forward to welcoming many more in the future.”

Councillor Mike Owen, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for economy and waste, said:

“The Mile End visitor information centre provides a fantastic service to people from the Oswestry area, and plays a vital role promoting Oswestry and Shropshire to visitors from further afield.  It’s great news that staff at the centre have served so many customers since the centre opened in 1987.”

Councillor Joyce Barrow, Shropshire Councillor for St Oswald, said:

“Congratulations to everyone working at the visitor centre. This is a fantastic milestone for everyone concerned, and in particular tourism in Oswestry, Shropshire and the surrounding area.  There is always a warm welcome from staff who do a sterling job in looking after tourists’ needs.”

Councillor Martin Bennett, Shropshire Councillor for Oswestry East, said:

“As one of the former borough councillors responsible for the creation of the information centre, I am delighted that the project has been such a resounding success.  The attractive building is strategically placed at the junction of the A483 and A5, but it is the care and attention that hard-working staff over the years have paid to creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that really makes this very special.  My congratulations to all concerned, may it go on from strength to strength!”