Services Provided by The Council
The Council Back to top
The Town Council consists of 18 Councillors representing six town wards of Cambrian, Maserfield, Gatacre, Castle, Carreg Llwyd and Cabin Lane. At the head of the Council is the Town Mayor elected annually. The historic title dates back to 1673. The Council is a larger local Council representing the interests of some 14,000 inhabitants. .
An Employer Back to top
Staff are employed on a full and part time basis. The Council is also a provider of substantial contracts, which are awarded to many local companies, thereby generating income within the town.
Retail Markets Back to top
The Council provides all retail markets for the town. This includes the Powis Hall indoor market open every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.
The major tourism feature of the town is the Wednesday outdoor market. This is arguably the largest street market in Shropshire and attracts visitors from far and wide.
A Saturday Outdoor Market is also operated on the Bailey Head.
The Horsemarket Back to top
Is the site of the Council's retail markets and a short-stay shopping car park on non-market days offering 200 spaces.
Powis Hall Cafeteria Back to top
Was established in 1987 by the Council as an additional facility to the market operations. The Council has successfully let this unit to a private sector interest providing welcome refreshment on markets days.
Oswestry Smithfield Back to top
This important feature of Oswestry is operated on 37 acres of land in the Council's ownership. Leased to Oswestry Cattle Auctions the Cattle Market is widely acknowledged to be at the forefront of livestock retailing.
The Guildhall Back to top
A Grade II Listed Building in the freehold ownership of the Council. Leases are applicable to the Court Service and the Attfield Theatre. Incorporated in the building are the Oswestry Town Council Offices, Council's Archives Store, County Court and The Attfield Theatre.
A Heritage Lottery Fund Grant of £326,300 awarded in 1998 has enabled this historic building to be completely refurbished and upgraded.
Archives Store Back to top
Established in the Guildhall and recognised by The Public Record Office as a repository for local records. The archives date from 1324. The searchroom is open by appointment only 09.30 - 12.45, 14.15 - 16.30 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, public holidays excepted. For more information about the archives please visit the archives page on the website.
Central Car Park Back to top
Formerly the site of the Oswestry Smithfield. Now the town's major shopper's car park with 550 spaces. Recently subjected to a major refurbishment programme, the car park is convenient to the town centre and local tourist attractions. Low cost, short-stay parking ensures continuing usage and popularity.
Salop Road Car Park Back to top
A site owned by Oswestry Town Council and let on a long-term lease to J.Sainsbury supermarket. A major attraction for the Town negotiated in1997 providing top quality shopping facilities and car parking within easy reach of the Town Centre.
Cae Glas Park Back to top
A major tourism feature of the town managed by the Council on behalf of the Cae Glas Charity. Summer bedding displays attract visitors and receive wide acclaim. Facilities include three quality tennis courts, putting, children's play area and two bowling greens.
A Heritage Lottery Award of £283,800 granted in 1998 has enabled major improvements to be undertaken to this major Town Centre attraction.
Brogyntyn Park Back to top
Six acres of parkland at the rear of Oswestry Fire Station. Gifted by the Harlech family, the area is popular as urban parkland. The site has been carefully managed by the Council to allow improved access. Extensive tree and shrub planting has also taken place.
Oswald's Well Back to top
Maintained and landscaped by the Council. When King Oswald was killed during his battle with King Penda, an eagle is supposed to have flown off with part of his body, which it dropped at this spot, from which a spring of water has bubbled ever since.
Closed Churchyards Back to top
The Council maintains the closed churchyards at St. Oswald and St.David. This includes grass cutting, wall repairs, surfacing etc.
Castle Bank Back to top
Formerly the site of Oswestry Castle, mentioned in the Doomsday Book. A listed monument now maintained by the Town Council.
Oswestry Visitor & Exhibition Centre Back to top
A 15th Century, Grade II Listed property. Originally the Oswestry Grammar School founded by David Holbache in 1407. The Centre contains a tea room, civic and local items of interest, a Tourist Information Centre and a delightful garden area. Regular recitals, events and exhibitions take place in this timber-framed building.
Smithfield Street Car Park Back to top
Opened in 1997 as part of the agreement with J. Sainsbury, this 95 space Town Centre short stay car park was a major acquisition for the Town. Ideally located in close proximity to the Argos store.
Allotments Back to top
Sixty six allotment gardens are provided in the Woodside and Gatacre areas. A thriving Allotment Association assists the administration of the gardens. The Council provides accommodation and supports the Association in its annual Show.
Oak Street Recreation Ground Back to top
Owned by the Town Council but subject to a long lease to Oswestry Borough Council. The site includes long stay car parking areas and also hard surface football and netball pitches. The Council also owns the land on which the Senior Citizens Club is built.
Oswestry Cemetery Back to top
Following the dissolution of Oswestry Burial Joint Committee on 31 March 2008, Oswestry Town Council have assumed responsibility for administration of Oswestry Cemetery at a cost in excess of £100,000 per annum. The contact number for enquires regarding the Cemetery remains (01691) 652013.
Street Lighting Back to top
In excess of 550 footway lighting units are maintained by the Council. All energy costs are met. During the past 5-years, all units have converted to dusk to dawn lighting with 35-watt sodium fitments installed. Arguably the Town has the best standard of footway lighting in Shropshire.
Floral Planters & Hanging Baskets Back to top
The blaze of colour evident in our town centre streets in summer is provided by the Town Council. Some 70 planters are now in existence and local businesses are offered a hanging basket package, which includes supply, fixing and even watering of the basket throughout the summer. This is proving extremely popular.
Oswestry Competitive Youth Music Festival Back to top
An annual event dating back to the Jubilee Celebrations of 1977. Well established in the County music calendar, entries are attracted from Shropshire, Cheshire, Wrexham, Denbighshire and Powys. Normally held in March the Festival includes a programme of individual, group and school opportunities linked with celebrity concerts. Trophies, certificates and prizes are awarded to competitors. Past overall winners of the Festival have gone on to successful professional musical careers.
Open Space Back to top
The Council maintains land at Watts Dyke in Laburnum Drive and the High Lea Play Area as public open space. Both of these areas were attained by negotiation with land agents.
Public Clocks Back to top
The Council maintains 3 clocks. They are sited at the former Post Office, Church Street; the Powis Hall and the Old Market Hall on the Cross.
Festival Square Back to top
The frontage of Festival Square in Church Street is owned by the Town Council. It is leased to Oswestry Borough Council. This arrangement enabled the area to be improved as part of the environmental scheme of improvements in the 1980's.
Former Market Land Back to top
Land is still owned by the Council at The Cross which was the former Market Hall. This includes the site of Woolworths also the property known as The Edinburgh Woollen Mill.
Bonfire And Fireworks Back to top
The Council underwrites the 5th November event. In conjunction with Oswestry Fire Station a safe evening of entertainment is arranged which attracts approaching 5,000 residents of the Town and their friends and families.
Civic Ceremonial Back to top
The Council maintains and upholds the traditions of Local Government in Oswestry. Every year the Council organises the Mayor's Civic Dinner and Mayor Making. In conjunction with The Oswestry Branch of the Royal British Legion the Annual Remembrance Day Service and Parade is arranged. Special events are also celebrated by the Council. In the past this has included The Queen's Silver Jubilee and various Charter Celebrations.
Planning Back to top
The Council is a vociferous voice on planning matters. It considers all applications relevant to the town and comments accordingly. Particular interest applies to any applications relating to conservation and environmental matters.
Memorial Gates Back to top
Are maintained by the Council in recognition of the service of Oswestrians in the World Wars. Total refurbishment of the Memorial took place in 1990.
Lych Gate Back to top
At the entrance to St. Oswald Churchyard from Upper Brook Street, this historical feature dating back to 1631 is now maintained by the Council.
Christmas Lighting Back to top
A joint Committee of Town and Borough Councils organise and fund the Christmas decorative lighting for the town centre. Features are regularly updated and a policy exists in trying to extend the scheme. Sponsorship is also received from several local companies.
Donations Back to top
Every year the Council provides extensive financial support to many local organisations, clubs and societies. Regular funding is also provided for Oswestry and Welsh Border Tourism Association and Oswestry and District Arts Association. The donations are aimed at improving the quality of life and facilities available for the young, elderly and disabled of the town.
Enquiries Back to top
Any questions, information or further details relating to the work or services of the Town Council should be directed to the Town Clerk, Oswestry Town Council, The Guildhall, Oswestry, SY11 1PZ or alternatively telephone (01691) 680222.