OSWESTRY’S The Cross Fountain could be set to return to its home, a year after it was knocked over during a road traffic accident.

The fountain was knocked down and broken in May 2023 during an incident that saw a van collide with it and also pedestrians.

Oswestry Town Council clerk Arren Roberts said the fountain is expected to be returned to its position, but admitted there had been some issues along the way.

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He said: “Members of the public may be aware that in May 2023, there was an accident which involved a van driving into the Cross Fountain, damaging it significantly.

“Because of the extent of the damage and the need to resolve liabilities the repair work has taken some time to start.

“Oswestry Town Council has enlisted the assistance of CBS Ltd to restore the Cross Fountain; however, because of the intricate work of the original piece, and the material that was used, there have been some delays in identifying the design and obtaining suitable materials.

“In some cases, substitute materials will need to be used. However, the design has been identified and materials have now been sourced and work has started.

“This will begin with the plinth, on which the monument sits, and we are hopeful that this will be back on the Cross by the end of May 2024.

“All costs associated with this repair will be met by an insurance company and not the tax payer.”

Meanwhile, Mr Roberts added that the pedestrian ramp between Horsemarket Car Park and Castle Street – known as Pam Ingrey Way – will be reopened by the end of this month.

He added: “Following a road traffic collision, the pedestrian ramp has been closed because of significant damage to the safety railings.

“The railings have been surveyed and are now in the manufacturing stage.

“This work is scheduled to be completed by the end of April 2024.”

The newly-refurbished public toilets in English Walls, close to Central Car Park, are expected to reopen next week with the inclusion of a changing places facility.

Mr Roberts added: “In addition to the changing places facility there will be four individual cubicles and one disabled cubicle available for members of the public to use.

“These will be controlled by a locked door system and payment can be made by either coin or contactless payment.

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“On payment, the door will unlock to allow entry. Should there be someone already within the cubicle, the door will not open.

“ For use of the changing places facility, there is a telephone number to call which shall return a code for entry.

“These facilities will be available, daily, from 8am to 4pm with only Christmas Day closure.”