A SENIOR police officer in Oswestry is calling people to show 'common sense' about how they go on their daily exercise.

Inspector Claire Greenaway, from Oswestry Safer Neighbourhood Team, made the call following reports of increased numbers around the town's Old Oswestry Racecourse, as well as the Mere in Ellesmere.

Inspector Greenaway said she had received reports from Ellesmere Town Council that they had encountered people from as afar away as Manchester coming to the famous beauty spot.

But she admitted that people from the towns need to walk and asked them to consider the number of people heading out for exercise, as per lockdown restrictions.

"I just want people to be sensible, first and foremost," she said.

"The information I've received is so far anecdotal of people coming from afar but we will be stepping up patrols in those areas.

"We have to support the national message.

"We're blessed in north Shropshire to have so many walks and bridle paths on our doorstep. We could be using them and staying away from parks which are full of people.

"If there's anyone out of the area who is reading this, please stay away, and follow the national guidance."