National praise for Oswestry Archive

Oswestry Town Council’s Archive has been praised by the National Archives, and will be able to continue storing public records, thanks to the council’s close links with Shropshire Council’s Shropshire Archives service. 

The praise follows an inspection carried out to assess and determine the Archive’s suitability for the continued storage of certain classes of public records under section 4 (1) of the Public Records Act 1958. 

In a letter sent to the councils following the inspection, Nicholas Kingsley from the National Archives says:

“The arrangements made for the preservation of this collection by the town council are rather unusual, since powers to archive for public benefit are typically reserved to principal local authorities. 

“Nevertheless, I am reassured by the close working relationship that exists between the town council and Shropshire Archives, which in other circumstances might be expected to act as custodian for these records. 

“The provision of an archive service at Oswestry is dependent on the strength of the relationship between the town council and Shropshire Archives, which is of critical importance.  My willingness to continue this appointment is conditional upon the maintenance of this successful professional connection.  Clearly this link is bringing benefits for both and I hope that both organisations are able to build on developments achieved to date.” 

Meanwhile, the National Archives have also indicated that they would like to use Oswestry Town Archive as an example of best practice in a guide for people setting up archives. 

The guide is called “Archives for Beginners” and is aimed at people without professional qualifications who have archives in their care, including other cultural heritage professionals and those new to archives. 

The Oswestry Archive is set to be included in a case study section on best practice. 

Councillor Mike Owen, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture, said:

“I’m delighted that the close links between Shropshire Archives and Oswestry Town Council have led to such praise for Oswestry’s archive and its continued use as a store for important local records.” 

Councillor Cynthia Hawksley, Oswestry Town Mayor, said:

“The town council is delighted at this recognition.  This is an important local and national resource put together over many years.  The support of Shropshire Council and their professional expertise is invaluable.”