Uncertainty over land transfer for pump track plans in Oswestry

There is still uncertainty as to when land will be transferred in order for a pump track to be built in Oswestry.

A site, north of Oswestry Leisure Centre, has been earmarked for some time for a skateboard facility and pump track to be developed there.

Planning permission for a new BMX/skateboard facility was even granted as far back in 2008. However, the scheme has never got off the ground.

A petition asking for the land to be handed back to Oswestry Town Council (OTC) to serve the purpose was presented to Shropshire Council’s  Economy and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee in July last year.

Reports were then sent to Cabinet in both October and November.

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Former councillor Olly Rose – who has long campaigned for a pump track in the town – understood that the land was to be included in the transfer of land under shared services from Shropshire Council to OTC.

“However, the recent report to OTC on June 10 detailed 10 such areas of land but did not include the land by Oswestry Leisure Centre ideally suited for such a facility and previously discussed as the most viable position,” said Ms Rose.

At a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday (July 8), Ms Rose asked when the land will transferred so plans can start on constructing the facility.

In response, Councillor Roger Evans, portfolio holder for finance, said: “Cabinet agreed that OTC should undertake final consultation on the shortlisted site options and that, once a preferred site had been selected, arrangements could be progressed to lease the chosen site to OTC for the development of a pump track and/or skate park.

“Shropshire Council is committed to progressing this lease either alongside other potential transfers or in isolation dependant on the most expedient route.

“Shropshire Council continues to work positively and collaboratively with OTC in considering the available options and remains committed to supporting the delivery of the project.

“However, the decision as to which site OTC wishes to progress remains a matter for the Town Council, and OTC has not yet taken a final decision to proceed with the lease of a preferred site. Until that decision has been made.

“Shropshire Council is unable to finalise the lease arrangements.”

Ms Rose said she was aware that Shropshire Council is potentially offering some land further away from the requested plot.

This, she added, has no access and is unsuitable for a variety of reasons.

“How do you propose we access the land as it is of no use without access?” she asked.

Councillor Evans said: “Officers have not informed me of any progression with OTC.  I will talk to them later to find out, but it was an ‘open book approach’ for OTC to approach Shropshire Council with a piece of land.

“And if they keep me in the picture, I will work with officers to expediate that piece of land to be leased to OTC at the earliest possible time.”