PARENTS could be issued with parking permits to allow them to take part in a 'walking bus', in a bid to reduce congestion around an Oswestry primary school.

The plan was discussed following a during the meeting in the Guildhall on Monday, December 5 following a request from Our Lady and St Oswald's Catholic Primary School in Upper Brook Street.

The school hope the town council will provide permits for parents to encourage walking and parking away from the school, thereby helping to reduce congestion.

Councillors voiced their support for the project but asked questions about its feasibility.

Councillor Olly Rose said: "The school bus project is a good idea.

"It could just be in term time only. Is it feasible?"

Town clerk Arren Roberts replied: "I am hugely impressed by the work the school has been doing.

"As I see it it permits a walking bus project and parking permits supported by Oswestry Town Council. The school put out a well thought out plan.

"Any issues were alleviated by it being well thought out."

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Councillors asked questions about the time parents would be permitted to park away from the school with

Cllr Mike Isherwood said: "It is important to encourage active travel and it can only be a good thing.

"Are we happy making it half an hour or twice a day?

"Half an hour is quite a considerable time which people could use for other purposes. I am just asking questions and wondering about future requests coming in."

Cllr Josh Cockburn said: "It needs to be 20 minutes, I say this as someone who has experience.

"Children don't walk fast. If we want to encourage this idea, we are going to need to give generous time.

"I think it would be simpler than trying to enforce flexible enforcement rules. I don't think issues will arise, but if they do take them as they come."

The issue of permits being misused was raised during the meeting and it was something which the town clerk raised.

Mr Evans said: "As part of the conditions, people will not be able to use a permit to go shopping.

"Any misuse will lead to the permit being taken away. There will be a trial review in the summer and you will have to consider its merits.

"What cannot be denied, is that it is a very busy area."