Oswestry is receiving �1.3m in funding

The scheme to reclaim the abandoned Treflach Quarry near Oswestry is one of three projects in the borough to benefit from a �1.3m grant from Advantage West Midlands.

The cash from the regional development agency is aimed at improving the local environment, boosting tourism and creating training opportunities in rural communities.

The money will also see two multi-purpose community enterprise centres set up and run by community organisations in St Martins and Llanyblodwel.

The agency has identified four key themes for the development of Oswestry Karen Yeomans

And a tourism initiative is also being backed in the north Shropshire town.

The limestone quarry has been derelict since the 1930s and contains contaminated tip material and other pollution.

Once the �440,000 remediation work is complete, the potentially-dangerous quarry will provide the communities in nearby Treflach, Trefonen and Oswestry with open space and a new recreational resource.

'Viable market towns'

The cash will also support improvements at attractions in the town including Oswestry Canal Trails, the Llanymynech Heritage Area and Whittington Castle.

Karen Yeomans, director of development and partnerships at Advantage West Midlands, said: "The agency has identified four key themes for the development of Oswestry: community, environment and access, business, and leisure and culture.

"These three projects span all four of these themes and demonstrate our determination to create sustainable and viable market towns in the West Midlands."