Arriva confirms commitment to Oswestry bus services

Earlier this week it was revealed the yard, which is currently leased by Arriva for £26,000 a year, is set to go on sale in 2018 for £600,000.

Halls Commercial, who are handling the sale, said plans are already under way to fiund a buyer and a number of developers have already registered their interest.

Arriva spokeswoman Cora Woodhouse said: “While we are aware the land our Oswestry depot is based on is for sale, we have no plans to close our operations in Oswestry and services will continue uninterrupted.”

The bus company’s lease runs out in autumn next year but it is not yet known where they will be moving to. However, they gave the assurance that ensured bus users in Oswestry would not be affected by the plans.

James Evans from Halls said the 0.66-acre site has been a feature in Oswestry for many years but would lend itself to redevelopment.

“It has significant future development potential, subject to the necessary consents, and redevelopment is probably the way to go,” he said.

“It is classed as an out-of-town development and we have seen a number of these spring up in the area recently as more businesses are drawn to the town.

“Oswestry is a growing and thriving community and there are house building programmes going on which will significantly increase the population. The town has also seen a rise in retail and commercial premises.”

The land is next to the Penda Retail Park on the main road into Oswestry and has a workshop and offices.

Mr Evans added: “It is in an ideal spot to set up or relocate a business. We have already fielded a number of inquiries relating to the sale and the depot’s location and size is proving an attractive proposition for potential buyers.”