Town councillors have been warned not to “hijack” the success of a community campaign in Oswestry. The claim was made on community group Os21’s website.

It came following the news that Powis Hall had won a national competition for a makeover by top designers Sir Terence Conran and Tara Bernerd.

An article by “the editor” on the site said the group wanted to “forestall the town council hijacking” of the successful campaign, adding it had “nothing to do with Oswestry Town Council at any time in its inception nor duration”.

It also makes allegations about councillors’ feelings about the scheme.

It said: “In the past, there has been talk emanating from the Guildhall of match funding for improvement of Powis Hall should traders as a group come up with a sum themselves.

“Doubtless this was in the near certain knowledge this would prove impossible.”

However, David Preston, town council clerk, denied the claims and said the council had “made a commitment to the future of markets in Oswestry”.

“It has set up a performance board and is shaping the final section of a new markets business plan. It has had discussions with Os21 during the competition and assured it of the council’s interest and support,” he said.

“We have applauded this initiative and the excellent publicity it has brought to Oswestry and the market. As the property owner we now look forward to the next stage and translating the success into action. The council is looking at all regeneration opportunities for the market but each will be underpinned on condition that the market remains in Oswestry.”