Canals and the countryside are the key to bringing more visitors to Oswestry and north Shropshire, a new report has claimed.

Outdoor heritage can play a major part in drawing more people to the area, according to the new tourism strategy for the area north of Shrewsbury.

But an Oswestry councillor says the county should put emphasis on leisure activities instead of a ‘musty’ image of canals and iron bridges.

Alison Patrick, tourism officer for Shropshire Council, has been leading the drive to create the new tourism strategy.

She said canals had a big potential in the area because of the World Heritage Site from Shropshire to Llangollen, taking in the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

“The potential is in canals as a waterside landscape, not in more boaters, there is no room on the canal for more boats,” she said.

“Much work has to be done strengthening the association of the area and towns with canals and making the experience enjoyable and accessible.

The triangle of Ellesmere, Llanymynech and Pontcysyllte with its canals and heritage rich landscape is key, supported by the Oswestry hillfort and meres and mosses.”

She said although northern Shropshire was a countryside tourism package, the towns were still important, completing a visit to the area.

She was also concerned that there was not enough family-friendly accommodation or quality self-catering accommodation to support an increase in tourists.

“Hotels and tourist attractions also need to cross-sell each other, letting visitors know what is around,” she said

But Oswestry town councillor Saffron Rainey said he was worried that too much emphasis was being placed on canals.

“Canals and old iron bridges are a bit of a musty image for Shropshire,” he said.

“We want something a bit more youthful, energetic and vital.

“People want to escape to our landscape and the peace that surrounds us.

“They want to do things outdoors – a lifestyle change – and we do not take advantage of that.”

A recent Oswestry Town Council meeting agreed that walking was a strong theme for the area which needed more development.

Councillors had also said and that food and drink could also provide a strong pull for tourism promotion in and around Oswestry.