A councillor has called for Oswestry to look at taking green space into ownership from Shropshire Council.

Lib Dem member Councillor James Owen has put forward the motion for Oswestry Town Council’s full meeting on Wednesday.

Cllr Owen also wants the council to investigate whether paths around the green space can also be transferred into Oswestry ownership to help improve it for residents.

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His motion said: "Residents around the Unicorn Road area and beyond have expressed their frustration at the lack of a well- maintained, or accessible path over Shelf Bank and across Wilfred Owen Green to access the town centre.

“Instead, they are often forced to take much longer, alternative, and more dangerous routes, leading many to access town by car rather than by these paths.

“These pieces of land are undeniably great assets to the town. However, they have sadly become neglected and been allowed to deteriorate over the past several years causing them to become unsafe, unsightly, and unusable.

“These issues are only likely to increase in the months and years ahead. It is therefore important to consider how the town council can get involved to protect these areas and increase their value to the residents of Oswestry.

“Suggestions that residents have expressed for these green areas include improving the existing paths to prevent them becoming extremely waterlogged/unusable in winter months.

“Also, installing lighting/security cameras to improve safety and deter anti-social behaviour and develop natural areas to improve biodiversity and attract wildlife.

“I propose that officers of the town council liaise with Shropshire Council, who currently owns both Wilfred Owen Green and Shelf Bank, to enquire whether these pieces of land could have their freeholds transferred to the town council with the aim to maintain and develop them for the residents of Oswestry.

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“As part of these enquiries, there should also be a discussion whether Shropshire Council-owned green spaces within the town boundary such as Broadlands Way Playing Field, Brynhafod Playing Field, Llwyn Coppice, and others could also be considered as part of this transfer of ownership.

“It is vitally important for the residents of Oswestry that their green spaces are not allowed to deteriorate even further in the years ahead."

The meeting will be at 7pm at the Guildhall on the Bailey Head.