SHROPSHIRE Council says it wants to work with Oswestry's Cambrian Heritage Railways (CHR) as part of its cycling and walking routes plans.

Last week, CHR – which is looking to restore a branch line between Oswestry and Gobowen – said that it not been contacted by Shropshire Council over its proposals to introduce new transport links along the line.

CHR chairman Rob Williams said that the consultation, which has suggested that Oswestry does not have a railway station, faced engineering difficulties around Gobowen because of track ownership and space around it.

Matt Johnson, executive manager for strategic projects with Shropshire Council, said that the group was included in early plans for the consultation but said it had not responded and hopes that they can work together moving forward.

He said: “We’re aware that Cambrian Heritage Railways is playing a key role in seeking to restore rail access between Oswestry and Gobowen.

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“For this reason, CHR was identified as a key stakeholder in the development of the Shropshire Cycling and Walking Plan.

“They were sent a survey that was circulated to area stakeholders to capture their views on key network-wide opportunities and constraints.

“They were also invited to attend a subsequent workshop – held on March 1, 2022 – and a site visit held on March 8.

“Sadly they didn’t respond to our invitations.

“After the workshop and site visit a follow-up Network Planning Survey was circulated to all who had attended to capture more detailed views on the emerging draft proposals for the cycling and walking network within both Oswestry, as well as the other six towns covered by the plan. 

“As CHR didn’t respond to our invitations they weren’t included in this survey.

“However, we are keen to continue working with CHR to ensure walking and cycling plans are complementary to, and do not conflict with, plans to re-connect Oswestry with the main line at Gobowen. 

“And we want to stress that the current public consultation is a chance to engage with a broader range of stakeholders than we were able to at the initial stage.

“We also want to reiterate that that plan is only a draft and we really do need local people, businesses and groups to tell us their views.

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“So, we very much hope that CHR will submit a response and we will carefully consider anything that they say.”

Mr Williams, from CHR, re-iterated the group’s position.

He said: “CHR is open to exploring any options to make use of the railway under our control.

“But there are ‘a number of engineering challenges associated with a Gobowen to Oswestry cycle way'.”