Councillors to visit Oswestry's 'weekend war zone'

Councillors want to visit Oswestry streets on a Saturday night to probe claims that the centre becomes a "war zone" at weekends.

Oswestry's taxi drivers are calling for CCTV systems to be fitted in their cabs, claiming they are vulnerable to abuse or attack by customers at weekends.

But the Taxi Drivers' Association's claims were refuted by Oswestry's police inspector who said the town centre was far more peaceful now than a decade ago.

Last night Oswestry town councillors said they wanted to see the situation for themselves.

Councillor Heather Bickerton said: "Would it be a good idea if one or two councillors went out to sit in a car and bring a report back to the council?"

Councillor Martin Bennett said it "would be a good idea".

Councillor Betty Gull said: "I personally would be interested to see if Oswestry really has changed."

Mark Higgins, chairman of the taxi association, wrote to Oswestry Town Council requesting help in getting the cameras for cabs as the costs were high.

But Councillor Gull said it was a decision that would have to be taken by Shropshire Council. She said: "We can have a view but we cannot be party to a decision."

Councillors agreed to ask Inspector Jim Stafford for a chance to see the evening economy in Oswestry.