Shropshire Star

Oswestry Hillfort protesters in election vote warning

Campaigners against plans to build homes near the base of Oswestry 's Iron Age hillfort have warned local councillors that they could lose their seats if they support the scheme.

Published
Impressive aerial view of the Old Oswestry Hillfort which is under threat

A poll carried out by the Hands Off Old Oswestry Hillfort campaign group revealed that more than 99 per cent would not be putting their cross against candidates that had backed the proposals to build homes in the area when local elections are held.

The street poll of more than 100 people was carried out in Oswestry over the weekend.

Campaigner Kate Clarke said: "We asked members of the public if they would vote for a candidate who had supported the hillfort housing proposals, and the immediate and almost overwhelming response was 'no'.

"People feel that strongly about this issue and about the fact that public opinion against the proposals is being flatly ignored by Shropshire Council.

"It was a simple straw poll to see what people's feelings are towards councillors who have been known to support the housing proposals near the hillfort.

"The initial response was quite overwhelming really. I am sure that voters would actively look for councillors who were heritage champions in future elections."

Shropshire Council has included a site for 117 houses straddling the near setting of Old Oswestry Hillfort in its masterplan for county development to 2026.

The plan is out for final consultation until April 28. But Mrs Clarke said councillors should pay attention to the poll, even though it was carried out on such a small scale.

She said: "This is an indicator communities suffering similar bids to build on sensitive sites under new government planning will be actively looking for heritage and environment champions at local and general elections. We're in the process of doing a statement and feedback to present to Oswestry Town Council and Shropshire Council."

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