Oswestry town centre road in ‘alarming’ state could close for repairs
A busy and historic town centre road could be completely re-built after engineers discovered it is in an "alarming" condition.
There are now fears that English Walls and the adjoining Smithfield Street in Oswestry could be shut for up to two months, putting added pressure on traders in the town.
English Walls - which follows the old route of the ancient walls - takes vehicles around the town's one way system and also has heavy pedestrian use, connecting the main car park with the retail streets.
Councillors and representatives of Oswestry's Townscape and Transport group are to have a urgent meeting to look at whether short term repairs should be made or whether major works should take place alongside a more long term look at the traffic system.
Shropshire Council's engineering consultants, Mouchel, say they are looking at how to address the failing carriageway.
Ben Corfield, senior engineer, said: "Structurally the carriageway is in an alarming condition.
"Ten trial holes have been dug and there is a risk that the carriageway may have to be fully reconstructed."
Shropshire Council has set a budget looking at a structural design that will provide for 20 years of use.
Peter Lloyd, vice chairman of the Townscape and Transport Group, said he wants to see any work tied in with the group's soon to be published survey on the town centre traffic flow.
Oswestry Town Council clerk, David Preston, said in a report to councillors who meet on Wednesday, that there is no option but to undertake essential works.
"A major problem is that a significant reconstruction scheme will involve a potential, two-month period of disruption," he said.
"Serious concerns have been voice by councillors as to whether the town council stand such upheaval due to the fragile nature of retailing.
"It is essential that work can be delivered with the minimum of disruption to local businesses."
He said there seems to be three options.
"The first is to undertake a basic programme of works that will provide for a four year lifespan of the road that will not impact on the townscape and transport programme," he said.
"The second is for a major structural improvement but this would be subject to budget and significant disruption.
"The third is to hold the scheme together until the townscape and transport proposal is agreed."
