OSWESTRY'S mayor Councillor Mark Jones has welcomed the first look at designs for projects to spruce up the town's alleyways.

The first plans as part of the Oswestry High Street Heritage Action Zone project (HAZ) were submitted to Shropshire Council last week and now the first images of the designs have been released.

Cllr Mark Jones says he and fellow councillors will be looking to approve the plans next week.

"Oswestry Town Council is investing heavily in the HAZ programme," he said.

"The alleyway project will make a tangible difference.

"Councillors have been involved in discussions with the designers and will be asked to approve the plans at a meeting next week."

Shropshire Council, who has played a part with the town council and Oswestry BID in securing £180,000 of funding from Historic England, released the images on Thursday.

A stunning clock will be placed over the Herbie Roberts Way alley with detail around it reflecting iconography associated with the legend of St Oswald.

Border Counties Advertizer:

Meanwhile, the Cae Glas Park alleyway will be upgraded with a brand new gate and a living wall extending the greenery of the park.

Councillor Ed Potter, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Planning, said: "These concept designs really give a flavour of the outstanding work being done to regenerate the alleyways in Oswestry town centre.

"The clock will prove to be a real centrepiece of the work and I can’t wait to see it come to life.

"The project is bringing so many positives to Oswestry and I want to thank everyone for their hard work and feedback which has made this a reality."

Samantha Jones, HSHAZ Project Officer, added: "I am delighted to be able to present these first design images which really show off the grand scale of the work planned.

"We know that many of the town’s alleyways have been in need of a spruce up for many years and this project and the funding has helped us talk to people and find out how they want to see change and how we can achieve it.

"We are delighted with these designs from Environmental Associates and cannot wait to see them made a reality. They will not only enhance Oswestry as a place for locals but visitors too."

Border Counties Advertizer:

The HSHAZ Project is tasked with looking at ways to regenerate the town through heritage, and it has been recognised that the alleyways play an important part in the history of the town, reflecting the medieval layout of the town, providing links between streets.