'Informal' pedestrian crossing on busy road near Oswestry school is having 'little effect' - councillor

An "informal" pedestrian crossing on a busy Oswestry road is having "little effect", according to a councillor.

Improvement work to the Unicorn Road recreation ground - and the greenway that runs through it - was completed last year. The project - costing £500,000 - was fully funded thanks to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) that was awarded to Shropshire Council.

The greenway connects the Cabin Lane and Unicorn Road residential areas to The Meadows Primary School and recreational facilities.

The work, which aimed to make the recreation ground more welcoming, saw a new crossing placed on Unicorn Road, and an "informal" crossing on Cabin Lane. However, Councillor James Owen, who represents Cabin Lane Ward, said the latter is just "pecular paintings" on a road.

"This has had little to no effect on improving safety for pedestrians or cyclists to cross Cabin Lane, and in fact is mostly misunderstood by all highway users," said Councillor Owen, who has recently become the deputy mayor of Oswestry.

The proposal to have a crossing there was first brought forward by former town councillor Chris Schofield in February 2021.

However, Councillor Owen said he has been advised by Shropshire Council officers that installing one "is complex" and would first require a feasibility study and topographical survey to progress.

He said he was told that would cost close to £7,000, not including the final design, site supervision, safety audits, or construction costs. He therefore put forward a motion at last week's Oswestry Town Council (OTC) meeting, which was supported by his fellow members.

The motion said the council would strongly support the installation of a zebra or other alternative crossing at the location, and request Shropshire Council proceed with the required feasibility studies and topographical surveys.

This would include OTC funding it up to £7,500 using the £40,000 capital budget allocated to local cycling and walking infrastructure plans.

Once they have been completed, a report would come back to the council, or relevant committee, with the costs of proceeding to construction so that a final decision or recommendation can be made.