A COUNCILLOR ‘reluctantly withdrew’ a motion compelling Oswestry Town Council to discuss transferring public space from Shropshire after members voted to add it elsewhere.

Lib Dem member Councillor James Owen had put forward a motion for green spaces – specifically Wilfred Owen Green and Shelf Bank – to be considered in an asset transfer in a bid to improve access for residents.

However, a previous motion from Cllr Duncan Kerr – from the Green Party – on the need for Oswestry to quickly complete land transfer of space close to the Leisure Centre in Shrewsbury Road as well as The Centre.

READ MORE:

This, according to Cllr Kerr at Wednesday’s meeting, is in response to Shropshire Council’s decision to make £62m in savings to balance its budget.

In his pitch to councillors, Cllr Kerr called the cuts "draconian" and "the biggest in peace time" and agreed with Shropshire leader Lezley Picton’s assessment that they will be felt by residents.

But he also welcomed the inclusion of Cllr Owen’s own motion within his own but added that "only if Shropshire Council wanted to have a conversation about it".

Cllr Kerr said he did not want to specify areas, such as the two included in Cllr Owen’s motion, as he did not want the assets to become a liability.

Cllr Kerr’s amendment was voted for by all members except Cllr Mark Jones who had declared a pecuniary interest because of his position in Shropshire Council’s Cabinet.

The next item on the agenda was Cllr Owen’s motion and he told the meeting he wanted to pursue Wilfred Owen Green and Shelf bank specifically, leading to a heated discussion over whether it would overturn the previous motion, which he had voted for.

Cllr Kerr told the meeting that to do so would contravene the motion just passed which did not specify areas to be transferred, and also highlight issues around running costs.

Cllr Sam Chadwick also stated a lack of support for an uncosted motion but did suggest asking for Shropshire Council to provide figures for further assessment.

Cllr Owen’s Lib Dem colleagues Jonathan Upton and Jay Moore rallied to support him – the former gave his support stating the green spaces were, for some, the first impressions of Oswestry, and deserved inclusion.

Get in touch

Share your views on this story by sending a letter to the editor. To get in touch email news@bordercountiesadvertizer.co.uk, or fill in the form on this section of our website.

Cllr Moore criticised his former Green colleague Cllr Kerr for dominating the motion, which he in turn described as "rubbish".

Eventually, Cllr Owen withdrew his motion, acknowledging it had been incorporated into the previous item agenda.

Members also agreed to push Shropshire Council on a dialogue with Oswestry over cuts to services as well as the recycling centre.