Embankment fears for Oswestry parkland
Major work could be needed to ensure the stability of an embankment in historic parkland in Oswestry.
Brogyntyn Park, once part of the estate of Lord Harlech, is now managed by the town council, gifted to the community by the Harlech family.
The council commissioned a report from a structural engineer after fears that a tree stump that has slipped into the stream that runs through the six acres of parkland may be affecting the bank.
Arren Roberts, assistant town clerk, said: "Visitors to Brogyntyn will have noticed a large tree stump lodged in the stream. This is the remains of a fallen tree which was cut off at the base.
"The stump has slowly slipped down the embankment and is now lodged in the stream, this not only affects the stability of the bank but could also, potentially, cause a blockage."
He said the advice of the engineer was that, to ensure the future stability of the embankment it would be advisable to have the stump removed, although it was appreciated that the stump is a large one.
In a report to tomorrow's town council meeting, Mr Roberts says: "The town council will need to use an external company to complete the work. One the stump has been removed the extent of damage to the embankment will be evident. The risk this causes and any necessary mitigating action will also need to be identified.
Budget
"There was good news from the engineer's inspection about an old stone bridge over the stream, near to the entrance of the park.
"The bridge is said to be in a sound and stable condition.
"The priority will now be to obtain quotations to have the tree stump removed from the stream. The cost is not known at this stage but the council has a budget of £3,200 to cover maintenance work at Brogyntyn."
Trees within the parkland will also be included as part of a comprehensive survey that will be carried out by the council.
Mr Roberts said under health and safety rules the council has a duty to manage risks and with around 500 trees on council owned or managed land there was a need for periodic surveys and work to ensure their safety.
The last one was carried out in 2015 when four trees had to be dealt with to make them safe.
The main areas are Cae Glas Park, Brogyntyn, the town centre car parks, Fir Grove allotments, Oswestry cemetery, St Oswald's Churchyard and Castle Bank.
