Council bosses have shelved plans to install traffic lights at one of Oswestry’s busiest junctions – Middleton Road, Salop Road and Roft Street.

Work to install traffic lights at the junction was due to start last month. 

But, just days before work was due to begin, it was put on hold as a result of a number of planning applications and the potential for new retail developments. 

The developments include applications to build a supermarket on the Smithfield livestock market site in Shrewsbury Road and on Central Car Park.

Martin Allard, Shropshire County Council head of traffic and safety, said: “Following our decision last month to defer the start of the Roft Street scheme in Oswestry, it is clear developers are still progressing an application on Central Car Park. 

“In light of this and the consideration of the other three retail applications which have already been lodged, all of which could affect traffic flows at the junction, it is considered to be unwise to commit more than £100,000 on the Roft Street scheme, when ultimately that may not be the appropriate long-term solution. 

“We have therefore decided to shelve the scheme until these issues are clearer.” 

Councillor Gareth Jones, Oswestry town mayor, who campaigned for 20 years for the improvements, said he was “utterly disappointed”.

A consultation showed most people in Oswestry wanted the improvements, although The Trinity Area Residents’ Association welcomed the decision to postpone the scheme.

Peter Lloyd, association secretary, said the developments would require the redesign of the town centre’s entire traffic system a year or so down the line if given the go-ahead.