Oswestry road markings repainted after safety concerns

The Oswestry Liberal Democrat Party has confirmed that road markings have been repainted in Willow Street and a stop sign restored as more calls have been made to improve road conditions in the town.

This comes after the Oswestry & District Driving Instructors Association told the Advertizer that “critical, hazardous road defects” are causing dangers for learners.

Local Liberal Democrat councillors Wendy, Mark and James Owen said that they had been “chasing the highlighted issues as well as other junctions across Oswestry with similarly poor linework and road surfaces with the Highways department for months”.

But now work carried out this week has seen improvement works on the junction between Welsh Walls and Willow Street.

In a statement online, a spokesperson for the Oswestry Liberal Democrats said: “After repeated pressure from Oswestry's Liberal Democrat councillors, today the missing STOP sign at Willow Street/Welsh Walls has finally been reinstated, while faded road markings at the Welsh Walls/Brynhafod Road junction have been repainted.

“These issues might seem small, but clear signs and road markings matter for the safety of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

“We know that issues such as this exist across Oswestry, and your local Lib Dems have been working hard to get them raised with the correct people.

“Please continue to report these issues yourself on FixMyStreet or directly with the relevant local councillor.

“We'll continue to raise residents' concerns, chase action and push to get the basics right across Oswestry.”

Despite this work, issues still remain on roads highlighted by the Oswestry & District Driving Instructors Association, including the junction by the Fire Station and Mile End Roundabout.

Conservative Oswestry town councillor, Les Maguire, confirmed that he had also been contacted by residents who had “near missies on the island” and reported the matter to Shropshire Council.

The lack of road markings at Mile End Roundabout has even led to a leaner driver being involved in a crash (Image: Ruairi Walsh)

He said: “I've had many residents come to me in the last few weeks asking for my help in getting the makings reinstated at mile end roundabout after many near misses due to people not knowing which lane to use.

“Today I've sent a report to fix my street asking for them to reinstate the markings.

“I've also asked for a timeline on the work to be carried out.”

The responsibility for Mile End remains unclear, as a trunk road it would usually be the responsibility of National Highways.

However, when approached by the Advertizer, a spokesperson for National Highways said that “maintenance of the Mile End Roundabout currently sits with the council following the upgrade they carried out”.