Oswestry market to move on to the street
Oswestry's market will move on to the street in a plan councillors claim will put the heart back into the town.
The twice-weekly market can now have stalls in Bailey Street and New Street, two partly-pedestrianised roads, after councillors approved plans.
Oswestry Town Council, which manages the markets, had applied to Shropshire Council for permission to move traders down from the Bailey Head, the traditional market square. It is one of several changes intended to revitalise market shopping and the town centre.
At Shropshire Council's North Planning Committee yesterday councillors gave the go-ahead for the outdoor market to be based on the streets on Wednesdays and Saturdays, as well as the last Friday of every month.
Councillor David Lloyd welcomed the move. He said: "It will put the heart back into Oswestry. Some visitors never go the full length of Bailey Street and so do not find the market.
"This will draw people up the street and should also help the indoor market."
Councillor Lloyd also called for a return of short-term car parking on the Bailey Head, outside the indoor market.
Other measures being brought in by Oswestry Town Council include opening up the indoor market on Thursdays as well as the traditional Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
A number of specialist markets are also being planned.
The popular monthly artisan market will be held on Friday this week.
