OSWESTRY Market may be able to sell alcohol after councillors backed plans an application for a premises licence.

The proposal was made at the Markets and Town Centre committee meeting, held on Wednesday at the Guildhall, with a unanimous vote allowing Town Centre Manager David Clough to apply for a licence.

In a report to councillors, Mr Clough acknowledged there would be risks, but also reassured members that they would be heavily reduced if there were proper procedures put in place.

Councillor Rebecca Evans supported the idea. She said: "I’ve been to the late night at Shrewsbury Hall and in the summer, it creates a good atmosphere.

"If this is something that Oswestry can replicate, then it will be good for the town."

It was said in the meeting that risks, including any illegal sale of alcohol – such as underage sales – in the market would be Mr Clough's responsibility under his role as the licensee, but he stated in his report that market traders would need to apply for a personal licence.

Meanwhile, the issue of defibrillators was raised again as part of Mr Clough's market overview report, where he stated he had been assured the devices around the town were working.

However, he was asked by Cllr Chris Schofield about their maintenance, but town clerk Arren Roberts answered on his behalf.

He said: "One of the volunteers who is a community first responder, on a six-week basis will go around the county to check them and will report back to West Midlands Ambulance Service.

"But the responsibility is also the people who put them up. The sundries they need are provided by paramedics but there is a black hole for anything more.

"It might be something we need to consider in the future how we can help."

Cllr Sandy Best added: "There hasn’t been any official funding put to one side in Oswestry for these. They’re left to emergency first responders.

"We have to have a strategy for it."

But Cllr Peter Cherrington added: "We shouldn’t be looking after them all as it leaves us open to legal action."

Mr Roberts responded: "At no point have I said we are or willing to take responsibility.

"We have one in the market hall which is maintained. But as a social leaders here, it’s something we have to look at."

Cllr Cherrington replied by asking the clerk to write to members to avoid disinformation – the rest of the report was acknowledged.