An exhibition at the town's Memorial Hall this week will give residents a sneak preview of the changes which aim to reshape the historic town and they way traffic flows in and around it.

It follows public consultations last year which showed clear support for improvements to the town centre.

Funding for the changes has now been secured with half of the �1.3m total coming from a European Union grants and the balance from local authorities.

'Safer environment'

Work will be carried out in three phases starting early in the New Year.

Improvements include closing Cross Street to daytime traffic, introducing mini roundabouts into the town and improving pedestrian crossings in the area.

Shropshire County Councillor Philip Engleheart said: "This scheme will help make Oswestry Town Centre a more pleasant, and safer environment for pedestrians.

"It should encourage more people to visit and shop in Oswestry."