Wasteland next to Oswestry Leisure Centre has been highlighted as the perfect place to have the facility, with the town council saying it can fund it through the sale of the old Smithfield site that happened more than a decade ago.
However, despite planning permission being even approved for the track as part the new leisure centre proposal back in 2008, the land has remained empty.
To try “to get things moving”, Councillor Robert Macey, the portfolio holder for culture and digital at Shropshire Council, was invited to an Oswestry Town Council meeting to discuss the proposal.
“One of the things we’ve identified is we probably need room for expansion done there at some point for things around the leisure centre,” said Cllr Macey.
“We’ve got an understanding of what sort of sporting provision can be done at the site. The officers are trying to identify a small pot of money and do a feasibility study for that area.
“It will look at the site on the whole, what is the latest demand from the town council’s proposals, what we need to expand the leisure centre, what is missing in terms of provision around Oswestry, and the biodversity net gain.”
However, Councillor Olly Rose said “it’s ridiculous that nothing has happened.”
“It has obviously been deemed a suitable site, we have got the money to do it, and have been trying to negotiate for ages,” she said.
“It just feels ridiculous to not just choose this land that you and we feel is suitable and just go ahead with it, and not do another consultation. There is a great need for it and a great deal of people behind it.”
Councillor Jay Moore added that English Heritage supports the town council’s plans, especially because bikers have damaged the hill fort.
“The kissing gate has been damaged and has allowed people to get through with their bicycles,” said Cllr Moore.
“English Heritage is very keen for the town council’s idea of trying to have a pump track, because this will hopefully bring all of the bikers away from the hill fort and into a more controlled environment.”
However, Councillor Duncan Kerr said that, because of Shropshire Council’s current financial constracts, he doesn’t think it would be able to find a pot of money.
“It’s to suggest that is going to happen because of the reality of the financial situation it is in,” he said.
In response, Cllr Macy agreed that finances are tight, and the council “certainly won’t turn down funding partners”.
Councillor Rosie Radford added that the town council has already done plenty of feasibility studies and are aware how much they cost.
“If you’re willing to pay that, I’m willing to take it back and propose it to them,” said Cllr Macy.
“It’s a good piece of land that can serve Oswestry well.”
