09/09/2011 - Permalink

Oswestry revitalisation projects receive major funding boost

Related topics: Community / Democracy

Five projects in Oswestry have been awarded a total of £229,072 under Shropshire Council’s Market Towns Revitalisation Programme (MTRP).

Three other projects, which have been recommended in Phase 1 of the Oswestry MTRP to go forward to the Informal Programme Board for final approval, include a plan for a monorail collection in the town, a Bed and Breakfast grant scheme, and the creation of an Oswestry phone ‘app’.  Recommendations for approval for all these projects were made by local councillors at open meeting in July 2011.

The projects approved by the Programme Board include:

  • Upgrade of Oswestry Showground –  awarded  £139,172 to upgrade the show ground and Oswestry Rugby Club (joint working arrangement with Oswesty Showground) – awarded £24,500 to improve facilities at the rugby club
  • Oswestry Fingerpost Signage – awarded £10,500 for installation of fingerposts to provide information to guide visitors to Oswestry
  • Refurbishment of Powis Hall, Oswestry – awarded £25,000 for refurbishment of indoor market hall.
  • Cambrian Heritage Railways, Oswestry – awarded £29,900 to enhance the restoration programme at Oswestry Station through the completion of the platform and development of the adjoining Station Yard.

Councillor Keith Barrow, Leader of Shropshire Council and local councillor for Oswestry South, said:

“It’s great to see a range of projects again benefiting from this programme.  It’s so important, especially in these challenging times, that we continue to invest in our local market towns and rural communities.  These projects will be a great boost to our town, and I’m sure like myself, local residents and visitors will look forward to seeing them completed.”

Since the project was launched back in September last year, Shropshire Councillors representing Oswestry have been working with town councillors and the local community to identify and prioritise projects that will make the most effective contribution to the revitalisation of their town.  A consultation event with local business will be held at the end of September 2011.

Oswestry received £650,000 funding under the council’s MTRP.  The funding is available to spend on capital projects that will provide an immediate boost to the town.

The Oswestry MTRP has funds still to be allocated and further projects are currently being considered by councillors and Shropshire Council officers.

For more information about the Market Towns Revitalisation Programme go to shropshire.gov.uk/markettowns