OSWESTRY could be set to benefit from Levelling-Up funding after Shropshire Council's Cabinet confirmed it will be be applying for Government Levelling Up Fund (LUF) round two monies.

Oswestry will join Craven Arms, Shrewsbury plus a county-wide project in receiving money after the decision was made to apply at Cabinet's latest meeting on June 8.

Shropshire missed out on funding in the first round – for the same projects – but will be applying again according to Ed Potter, Cabinet member for economic growth, regeneration and planning.

He said: "Although it was incredibly disappointing to lose out on money in the first round, I am delighted to have secured the backing from Cabinet to take these bids to the Government again.

“These are major projects across the county, which will help our economic plans, boost infrastructure and benefit communities.

“We want to stimulate growth in our towns and support businesses, and these projects will do just that.

“It’s not all about the money though, which will of course make a huge difference to the people who live, work and visit the county, but bidding again is a further way to secure recognition from the Government for our county’s economic ambitions and put Shropshire on the map.”

In Oswestry a package of projects is proposed, focusing in two key locations.

Town centre investment will be sought to support the regeneration and recovery of the centre, through increased footfall supported by public realm improvements, and through measures to support businesses to stimulate economic growth.

A council spokesman added: "These proposals complement existing successful activities and schemes such as the High Street Heritage Action Zone scheme.

"Funding for improvements to support the planned housing and employment developments around Mile End will also be sought, through ipark.

"The projects will stimulate growth, support businesses, increase town centre footfall to support the turnover of existing businesses and the visitor economy and improve walking and cycling infrastructure.

"These improvements are not standalone projects, but will build on current part of a wider strategy to improve the town supported by existing activities and public/private investment already secured."

A county-wide transport bid will be centred around Shropshire Connect, the transformation of Shrewsbury Park & Ride (Shrewsbury Connect), and Rural Connect, which will see increased connectivity and travel options for the county’s rural residents.