Oswestry animal sculptures go on safari

Shoppers strolling along English Walls in Oswestry might spot a golden fish, take a turn down Bailey Street and there's a turtle, and on Leg Street passers-by will be confronted by a giant cow head.

The animal sculptures have been put up around the town as part of a special safari trail as a result of a link-up between Shropshire Council and the British Ironworks Centre.

The company, based at Aston on the outskirts of Oswestry, has donated more than 30 metal sculptures for the project.

The aim is to encourage more visitors to Oswestry, as well as brighten up the town centre for locals.

One of the most spectacular pieces of art is the giraffe that now stands outside the TG Builders Merchants in Maesbury Road.

Eric Roberts Butchers, in The Quadrant, Leg St, has a giant cow head in its store.

"It's a big old thing and it's certainly well made," said Mark Roberts. "It's raised a few eyebrows of the people coming in.

"Hopefully it will help to bring people into Oswestry."

At Booka Bookshop, in the town's Church Street, meanwhile, customers have been so impressed by the metallic owl on show that they have been asking about buying it.

"Once the customers are in the shop they are drawn to it," said shop owner Tim Morris.

"Some have asked whether it is for sale.

"The owl sits well with our store. We're happy to get involved in the scheme in a small way."

There is a skilfully crafted butterfly at the Flower Gallery in Albion Hill, a turtle at Aroma Cafe Bar in Bailey Street and a golden fish at Petworld in English Walls.

Ken Malcolm from Petworld said: "The fish is a lovely piece of art which we have hung in the shop.

"We hope that it draws people into Oswestry and we would love to see new faces in the shop."

Clive and Tracey Knowles, who run the British Ironworks Centre, say they wanted to give something back to the town.

The company designs and manufactures the animal sculptures, from small, portable artworks to some as high as 10 foot.

Company bosses approached the council with the proposal to install the selection of the animals in and around Oswestry to give the town something that people would travel to see. Visitors will be able to take part in a special trail around the town, travelling from one sculpture to the next.

Funding for the supply and installation of the cast iron animals is being met by the Ironworks Centre, with Shropshire Council or Oswestry Town Council chipping in small amounts.

The sculptures being exhibited in stores around the town have been chosen to match what they sell.

Each shop will also have a special plaque showing they are part of the safari trail.