OSWESTRY Civic Society (OCS) has called for a strategy to be implemented to improve streets in two parts of the town.

Saffron Rainey, OCS chairman, in an open letter to Oswestry Town Council (OTC) and BID, has called for a focus on Beatrice Street plus Upper Brook Street and also Church Street.

Mr Rainey praised the work of both groups for improving the town centre after earlier criticism, asked for the groups to make it their next focus.

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He said: “Shops have opened on the Cross to replace those which closed, the ‘streetscape’ of Church Street  has been vastly improved.

“All credit to the efforts of those administering the programme and BID together with OTC for achieving this and good luck to them with their efforts in the future.

“There is however a new concern for the town.

“It is apparent in walking down Beatrice Street that shops there are struggling.

“Now we have an area at the other end of the town which is becoming vulnerable. Is it too much to suggest that the town centre of Oswestry is shrinking into a triangle between Festival Square, Sainsburys and the Bailey Head?

“If the Regal were redeveloped into a cultural ‘hub’ as ought to be the case, this would go a long way to redressing the balance at the Beatrice St end of the town,  but any such development will take years to complete.

“What is the strategy for Beatrice Street in the meantime? Is there one? We hope so.

“It should include a redevelopment of the bus station which is not only a depressing, badly sited, and underused facility, but does not even cater for passengers on all the bus services into and out of the town.

“What is OTC/ BID doing to redress the situation?

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“We are sure that OTC is looking at these issues with a view to the further improvement of the town centre and look forward to the next steps to be taken by them.”

Oswestry BID said it will continue to work closely with OTC and Shropshire Council, and with prospective tenants and businesses to assist and strengthen the town’s offer.

BID Manager, Adele Nightingale said, “We are always happy to meet with any business or organisation to discuss the town’s development to support positive economic growth in Oswestry.”