A once neglected alleyway beside the Poundland store off Cross Street is set for a colourful transformation this spring, following strong community interest and a partnership between Oswestry Focus CIC, supportive landlords and local artists.
The idea emerged after Oswestry Focus volunteers were painting and cleaning the alley earlier this summer. Dozens of residents stopped to say they’d love to see a mural there, which pushed the group to explore the idea properly. Oswestry Focus CIC was formed and then approached the landlords, who immediately backed the proposal and agreed to allow their walls to be used for a permanent piece of public art.
Oswestry Focus has submitted a National Lottery funding application to support the project. If approved for funding, it will cover the mural, improved lighting and two bespoke bench planters. The planters will be maintained year round by Oswestry in Bloom, bringing long term colour and care to the space.
The landlords have also taken steps to ensure the alley is safe and structurally sound. The wall behind the proposed seating area has already been professionally repointed and there are plans to reinstate missing downpipes to prevent the flooding and damp issues that have affected the alley for years.
The mural will be created by Debbie Carr (DoodleDeb) and Sarah Parkinson (Sparky Author), the artists behind the popular balloon mural at the side of Oswestry Market. Their design blends Oswestry’s character, nature and heritage into a vibrant walk through artwork.
Why Oswestry Focus CIC exists – Oswestry Focus CIC was formed by a group of local residents — some of whom happen to be councillors, though the work is done entirely as volunteers, not in any official council capacity.
The group came together with a simple aim: to make a positive difference, brighten neglected corners of Oswestry and deliver small, practical projects that improve how people feel about the town.
Care Johnson, Co-Founder of Oswestry Focus CIC, said:
“People wanted a brighter, safer alley with colour, lighting and something to lift the space and we acted on that. The plan is ready and the partners are in place, now we’re hopeful the funding will come through so we can bring it all to life this spring.
It’s a small but busy part of town, but it has huge potential.”
James Owen, Co-Founder of Oswestry Focus CIC, said:
“Community and volunteer working is worth its weight in gold, and the benefit that a lot of hard work has had to improve an eyesore alleyway in the centre of our town cannot be understated.”
Work is expected to begin in early spring, weather and funding permitting, with a public unveiling once the mural, lighting and planters are installed.
This marks the first major public facing project from Oswestry Focus CIC, which plans to continue bringing community driven improvements to overlooked areas across the town.
