THE mayor of Oswestry has defended plans to install a new splash park in Cae Glas Park.

In 2022, Oswestry Town Council decided to begin plans for the water park to be put in place for youngsters to use, in the hope it would attract more people into the town.

Councillors backed mayor Councillor Jay Moore’s motion in creating the splash pad, which he has said previously is a chance for families who cannot afford holidays away to be able to enjoy summer.

However, the plans and a reported budget of £500,000 to build and £20,000 to maintain have come in for criticism. Now though Cllr Moore – writing in a personal capacity and not on behalf of the council – has moved to clarify his motion.

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He told followers that his plan was a way to bring people into Oswestry without relying on the ‘High Street’ as shopping habits had changed.

He posted on social media: “You can't download time with your family and you can't mail order memories.

“If there are things to do in town, then people will come here. Use our car parks, shops, cafes and so on. It's about building a culture.

“The Splash Pad hasn't had a final figure attached to it yet as the design process etc is still underway. But we are looking around the £350,000 mark.

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“The council is also looking to improve the playground as well around the same time. This means adding more all-inclusive equipment and extending the offering.

“There is £100,000 earmarked for those improvements as well.

“(The money) comes from what is known as the Smithfield Windfall reserves, money paid to the town council by Morrisons when they purchased the land for the new site.

“There are rules attached to this money. For example, it can only be used for Capital Expenditure.

“That means purchasing buildings/building new infrastructure etc that has to be of the benefit of the community.”

He also responded to suggestions that the money is used for other projects such as road repairs or providing swimming lessons.

But Cllr Moore added that neither would be allowed under capital Expenditure rules ­– the council does not have responsibility for roads and the lessons would not provide long-term benefit to the community.

He also said that the splash pad will be able to be used without water in the winter months as part of the wider playground.

Cllr Moore, who said a public consultation ‘in the right way’ is being considered, added he was proud to be bringing a plan that would give young people something to do.