New safari trail in Oswestry starts to take shape
Plans for an extraordinary new safari trail for Oswestry are now taking shape.
The trail project, whose aim is to help increase footfall and enhance the visitor offer of the town, has been made possible thanks to the generous donation of metal animal sculptures from the British Ironworks Centre (BIC) in Oswestry. The local firm has generously donated around 35 iconic and bespoke pieces, which will form the new trail for the town.
Vince Hunt, local Shropshire Councillor for Oswestry West, who is leading the project, and Keith Barrow, Leader of Shropshire Council, also local Shropshire Councillor for Oswestry South, met up with Clive and Tracey Knowles, proprietors of BIC, in Aston, Oswestry on Monday 11 February 2013 to view some of the enigmatic animals, some of which reach as high as 10ft.
BIC, who design and manufacture the animal sculptures, approached the council with the proposal to install the selection of the animals in and around Oswestry as a way of ‘giving something back to the town’.
Following approval by the Oswestry Joint Economic Board, plans are now being developed to position the charismatic animals around the town. There will be approximately 20 small portable sculptures suitable for indoor locations, and between 10 to 15 larger pieces to be placed in key locations around the town.
Over the next few months the animals will be located in Oswestry at selected areas that provide the highest visible impact to those arriving by road and cycle users from the A5, and then to draw them through town to the centre and to areas that are not immediately apparent to visitors, thereby increasing footfall to those areas.
It is hoped the animals will give residents, especially young people, added points of interest around the town as well as giving a ‘wow’ factor for incoming visitors to spend more time in Oswestry which in turn will benefit retailers in the town.
Councillor Hunt and officers have been out and about in Oswestry, talking to retailers and schools to take part in the project. Many retailers have already shown a keen interest in hosting the smaller pieces in their shops. Local residents, community and art groups are also being encouraged to get involved.
Vince Hunt said:
“This new and exciting safari trail offers a unique selling point for Oswestry and will be a great asset for the town. It is important that we continue to invest in Oswestry as an exciting place to live and visit, for the greater well-being of all. It’s always nice to see something that’s got a bit of quirkiness and fun. These animal sculptures will become local landmarks in their own right, and will serve as a fitting entrance to the town centre and key locations throughout the town.
“We believe the Oswestry Safari Trail will create a true community spirit, and be something that local residents will support and be very proud of.”
Keith Barrow added:
“The Oswestry safari trail project has been made possible thanks to the very generous donation of a whole collection of metal animals from BIC in Oswestry. This flagship trail will play an important role in developing Oswestry as a key tourist destination for Shropshire. I am really looking forward to seeing the safari trail take shape.”
The project has the potential of delivering new opportunities for people to get active through walking, and to understand and appreciate the local landscape, its heritage, its places and people.
Funding for the supply and installation of the cast iron animals will be met by BIC, with minor costs being incurred by either Shropshire Council or Oswestry Town Council.
For more information about the project or if you would like to get involved, contact Councillor Vince Hunt on 01691 655466 or the local community action team on 01691 677318.
