WORK on improving access to Oswestry's town centre has moved a step closer after a Knockin-based company was awarded the contract.

PaveAways has successfully tendered for work to create a pedestrian ramp and refurbish the steps to Castle Street at the Horsemarket Car Park.

Oswestry town mayor, Councillor Duncan Kerr, said he was delighted that the work – which was first brought to the council's attention in 2016.

He said: “I am delighted that the council is now proceeding with these much needed works to give access not only to disabled persons but to anyone pushing a pram or pushchair, and having helped a couple of residents out by carrying their pushchair down these steps I know it will be greatly appreciated.

"The council works hard to ensure that the town centre is accessible to all residents and if anyone knows of any other problem areas please get in touch with us and we will see what we can do."

Oswestry Town Council committed funding to creating a pedestrian ramp and refurbishing the steps to Castle Street in 2020 and began the tender process.

The need for improvement in this 'key and well-used' access route was first highlighted by Pam Ingrey and Kim Tunnadine from Oswestry Mobility who organised a petition and presented it to the council in 2016.

The contract for the project has been awarded to Pave Aways of Knockin, who will start works in the coming months and will be fully funded by the Town Council.

Planning permission was granted by Shropshire Council last year.