An Oswestry Town Councillor has raised concerns about a sinkhole left unfixed for years.

Cllr James Owen said there has been a “lack of action” from local councils to ensure footpaths and public spaces are maintained or improved – including a sinkhole left fenced off for years.

According to Cllr Owen, Wilfred Owen Green and Shelf Bank, two pieces of land near Oswestry town centre are in a "terrible condition” and “outright dangerous”.

He's calling for action from Shropshire Council, as landowners, to provide some maintenance to the worst areas.

OTHER NEWS:

Cllr Owen, who represents the Cambrian ward, said: “Walking across these areas, residents are faced with boggy conditions, rotting wood, broken play equipment, and the list just goes on.

“Residents who try to walk over Shelf Bank towards Queen Elizabeth Drive and beyond are faced with poorly maintained steps, that become a 'slip ‘n slide' in wet weather.

“Meanwhile on Wilfred Owen Green, there’s been a fenced off sinkhole for years, the play equipment is falling apart and the main path requires wellies over the winter, due to the poor drainage.

"All of these issues just go to show how these areas are not just in terrible condition, but, in some places, outright dangerous.


Get in touch

Share your views on this story by sending a letter to the editor. To get in touch email news@bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk, or fill in the form on this section of our website.


“Since being elected to Oswestry Town Council one year ago, I have twice raised at meetings for the Council to request a freehold transfer of these two pieces of green space, as well as others in the town, from Shropshire Council.

“My hope is that by continuing to highlight issues that are facing these areas, and others, it might finally bring about some action by Shropshire Council to at least repair the broken steps, deal with the sinkhole and install safety features such as handrails.

“They should also look at other improvements such as path drainage, lighting and replacing the play equipment”.

Shropshire Council has been approached for comment.