‘Last chance’ to get Oswestry's Mile End roundabout sorted

The roundabout was remodelled in 2014 at a cost of £4 million.

Further work, including repainting of the lines because drivers said they were confusing, was done earlier this year.

But now Steve Davenport, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for highways, has revealed the roundabout is set to be replaced entirely in the next two years.

The island needs to be remodelled because of plans for Oswestry's new innovation park and scores of new homes.

The changes to the junction will be part of £9.3 million of work to the area's roads network which was announced earlier this year.

Oswestry Rural Parish Councillor Robert Milton believes the revamp is the last shot road bosses may have at carrying out the work because public spending is so tight.

Crucial

He said: "The plans for the innovation park and for new homes have been talked about for years so I am confused as to why this hasn't happened in the past.

"It is the third time it has been revamped now, so it is crucial they get this one right.

"It is a revamp, of a revamp, of a revamp, and if they don't get it right then there will certainly be some adverse comments.

"Public money is tight at the moment, so they need to get this one right."

The new plan includes more exits with a statement from Shropshire Council saying the need for a redesign so soon after the previous work is because it was only designed to deal with existing traffic and not that expected in the future.

Shropshire County Councillor Vince Hunt said it is imperative things are right this time as Oswestry is a town on the up and Mile End needs to facilitate that.

He added: "It was disappointing the works last time were not good enough.

"It isn't the council's fault but it is public money and it is imperative that they get it right this time.

"With the innovation park and the extra houses the roundabout needs to be able to cope with that."