Oswestry town councillors will be asked to consider proposals from a report into how the Indoor Market Hall can be to welcome traders and customers once more.

The main business of the meeting on Wednesday will consider a report from David Clough, retail markets and events manager at Oswestry Town Council, on how to re-start the town's markets.

In the report, it is estimated the closure of the indoor market has cost the council an income of £6,800 a month, and while some rates have been reduced, the council is still playing business rates on the building.

Mr Clough, alongside town clerk Arren Roberts, acknowledged the work of The National Association of British Markets (NABMA) in trying to secure government support for kickstarting markets.

And they also acknowledged the likelihood of a recession caused by the impact of COVID-19 on the economy and that people on the waiting list for a space at the market have been contacted to inform them of likely vacancies.

They also suggested that future campaigns in Oswestry will target the market for local shoppers and how Oswestry's geographical position can entice tourist shoppers.

The report acknowledges that many market traders have moved online and there is a fear that some may stay that way post-pandemic, but nearly all have indicated their intention to return to the hall.

Councillors will also be asked to consider ways in which traders can be supported back to full operation, including reduced rates re-increasing in stages but only to traders who return to trade.

Any who are in a position to trade but choose not to, may still be charged.

The council is proposing the introduction of a number of safety procedures, including making the market one-way to avoid contact, including placing in barriers and markers to observe two-metre physical distancing at the site.

There will be the identification of 'hot-spot' stalls, such as food outlets, and the council is also proposing to work with some councils on a one-to-one basis to help them with business issues or technology use to move forward.

The meeting starts at 7pm on Zoom – anyone members of the public can dial into the meeting on https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82687789873?status=success, ID: 826 8778 9873.