New archway could be built at memorial gates in Oswestry

Councillor Jay Moore has tabled a motion for the work to be done in time for next May’s VE Day celebrations.

He said Oswestry Town Council could use the Smithfield reserves to fund the project, which would straddle the two pillars of the central gate.

When the former Smithfield livestock market was demolished to make way for a Morrisons supermarket, a total of £4 million was put into the public purse for projects that would benefit the public.

This includes restoring Llwyd Mansion and the roof of The Centre community hub.

Back in 2021, there was also discussion about using the money for having a new splash pad in the town; however, that project has stalled and is unlikely to progress at present.

“I believe our local veterans should have input into the wording and design so should feed into this proposal to ensure it is done in the most fitting and appropriate way,” said Councillor Moore.

“Therefore, I recommend we invite members of the Royal British Legion (RBL), perhaps Major Hibbert, and other groups to feed into the process.

“One suggestion is the words of poet Ben Okri, which adorn the gates in London,  ‘our future is greater than our past’ might be appropriate to give an idea.”

Councillor Moore’s proposal, which will be discussed by the town council at its meeting this Wednesday (December 11), is to initially consult with local veteran groups to settle on an appropriate concept and design, and to engage with artists and metalworkers to ascertain how much the work would cost.

“It is evident that the gates are also in need of refurbishment, and it would be prudent to have the work completed at the same time,” added Councillor Moore.