Plans for major changes to an Oswestry roundabout are going under public consultation this week.

The event, held yesterday and today (Wednesday) at Mile End Golf Club, gives members of the public come and give their views on the proposed ‘dumbbell’ roundabout for the Mile End roundabout on the A5/A483.

Representatives from WSP, the environmental consultancy firm working on behalf of Shropshire Council, are on hand to explain the potential changes and to answer questions from concerned residents.

Martin Withington, technical lead for transportation for WSP, said there was a high level of interest: “It was busy on the first morning until around lunchtime, and then it picked up again.

“People seemed to be pleased that the trunk road was being discussed. They seemed to be very positive that Shropshire Council are promoting this.

“The changes proposed will allow Shropshire Council to alleviate traffic currently and prepare them for future development.”

Graeme Brookes, an Oswestry-based businessman, came to give his views.

He said: “My fundamental questions is do we really need this development? My fear is that is it will push the question of dualling the A5 back, which local MPs are pushing. I support this but not at the expense of the dualling of the A5.”

His views was supported by David Jones, from Maesbury, who added: “The section to change the roundabout is fine, but it still only leads onto one carriageway – the same one we’ve had since 1991.”

Margaret Jones, also from Maesbury, said she opposed the development one environmental grounds, citing the current crisis around climate change, adding that Shropshire Council are only making the changes to support 800 new houses.

Shropshire councillor Steve Charmley was also on site and he said: “It’s great to see so many coming out of their way to give their views.”