OSWESTRY Town Council could return to face-to-face meetings in May if the government does not extend the regualtions coveirng remote sessions after local elections.

Councillors will be given an understanding of how potential face-to-face meetings may take place as part of its full town counciol meeting on Wednesday, starting at 7pm over Zoom.

The guidance has come from the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) which is now urging councils to assess what business can be done prior to May, and what business can be delegated to clerks.

The agenda item said: "NALC are recommending that Councils should conduct a risk assessment in advance of a face-to-face meeting which should give consideration to what the council can do to reduce risk to councillors, staff and public.

"This includes providing hand sanitiser to those entering the meeting room and making sure hand sanitiser is readily available in the room itself; staggering arrival and exit times for staff, councillors and members of the public and placing seating at least two-metres apart."

Councillors will also decide on whether to support a recommendation that the annual town meeting does not go ahead, in light of Covid regualtions.

There will be a motion from three councillors – John Price, Chris Schofield and Mark Jones – on the introduction of vehicle activated speed (VAS) signs in areas of Oswestry that need them.

The motion says: "That the town council will install VAS signs at key locations on routes in the town.

"Suggestions for siting of these signs include Unicorn Road, College Road, Middleton Road, Mount Road, Trefonen Road, Cabin Lane, Gobowen Road (Oldport farm) and junctions entering the estate for Oswestry East.

"The council will work with the local police force to identify the most suitable locations and seek funding from West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner's fund/Safer Roads Partnership.

"This would be match funded by utilising the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) local budget.

"Council request a report from the Town Clerk setting out a scheme for Oswestry.”

Meanwhile, a number of financial items will be discussed in the private session at its full meeting on Friday.

There are six items listed for the second half of the meeting, which is usually heard away from press and public, including a discussion of the council's income generation.

The other items include the Oswestry Balloon Carnival for 2021; the Christmas Lights decorations; 12 The Cross; extension of the Smithfield Lease VAT implications and the Powis Hall Indoor Bar business proposal.

The meeting ID is 830 3949 3013.