Work to start this autumn on new cycle and pedestrian route in Oswestry

Work is set to begin soon on Shropshire Council and Cambrian Heritage Railway’s plans to construct a cycle and pedestrian route along the Oswestry section of the Oswestry to Gobowen railway line.

The route will initially run from Maesbury Road industrial estate to Coney Green, and initial site clearance work is set to begin this autumn.

The new ‘Green Way’ will link in with the wider Oswestry cycle and pedestrian route network, giving improved cycle and pedestrian access. It will provide safer and more convenient links for Oswestry’s commuters, offer improved access to the area’s schools, and serve as a leisure facility for local people.

Initial site clearance works were originally planned to be undertaken earlier this year but were postponed as it wouldn’t have been possible to carry out the clearance work prior to the bird nesting season.

However it is anticipated that the site clearance works can be now be completed early in the autumn to coincide with the end of the nesting season.

Discussions are currently ongoing between Shropshire Council and Cambrian Heritage Railway about the proposed construction, infrastructure and onward maintenance of the Green Way, which is to be funded by Central Government through the Local Sustainable Transport Fund.

Claire Wild, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways and transport, said:

“The proposed Green Way will greatly improve access for Oswestry’s pedestrians and cyclists, make it easier for people to get to work, school and the shops, and help people to keep fit. I’m very pleased that site clearance work for this project can soon begin.”

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

“I’m delighted that work on the Green Way scheme will shortly be getting underway.”