Oswestry town green named after war poet Wilfred Owen
Oswestry's £170,000 town green has been named after Shropshire war poet Wilfred Owen, and, it is believed, it makes it the largest known memorial to one of the county's best known sons. Oswestry's £170,000 town green has been named after Shropshire war poet Wilfred Owen, and, it is believed, it makes it the largest known memorial to one of the county's best known sons. The town green, near Ambleside Road and Brookhouse Road, has officially been named the Wilfred Owen Green. The park opened to the public in July after a facelift, with pathways, play equipment and plants. Wilfred Owen, the famed war poet, was born in Oswestry in 1893. Shropshire councillor Steve Charmley, cabinet for culture and leisure services, said: "I am delighted that the Oswestry town green has now been officially named the Wilfred Owen Green. "This is only the beginning for the site. Now that we have a distinguished title for the area we can build upon this success and allow the area to be enhanced and to celebrate the heritage of Oswestry." Read more in today's Shropshire Star
Oswestry's £170,000 town green has been named after Shropshire war poet Wilfred Owen, and, it is believed, it makes it the largest known memorial to one of the county's best known sons.
The town green, near Ambleside Road and Brookhouse Road, has officially been named the Wilfred Owen Green. The park opened to the public in July after a facelift, with pathways, play equipment and plants.
Wilfred Owen, the famed war poet, was born in Oswestry in 1893.
Shropshire councillor Steve Charmley, cabinet for culture and leisure services, said: "I am delighted that the Oswestry town green has now been officially named the Wilfred Owen Green.
"This is only the beginning for the site. Now that we have a distinguished title for the area we can build upon this success and allow the area to be enhanced and to celebrate the heritage of Oswestry."
Councillor Martin Bennett and Councillor Bill Benyon, Oswestry East, have also agreed it is a good move to name the park after the poet.
The two councillors claim the new name makes the park the largest memorial to Wilfred Owen in the world.
The park is already used by residents and visitors of all ages but it is hoped the new name will attract even more people to the area.
Shaun Burkey, Shropshire Council's countryside and community officer, has been involved with the town green project.
He said he hoped the name would put Oswestry on the map internationally.
There are plans in the pipeline to start organising events in the park, including poetry readings.
The Wilfred Owen Green has wildflower meadows, natural play and play equipment and a labyrinth.
Oswestry town council officials have always backed the idea to name the parkland after the poet.
Meanwhile Shropshire Council officials have revealed they want to site a CCTV camera on the Cambrian Visitors Centre, in Oswald Road, after complaints from residents of yobbish behaviour.
A CCTV application has had to be submitted because the visitors centre is a Grade II listed building.
By Chrissy Symmons
