EVENTS planned in Oswestry for the rest of 2020 are set to be drastically changed because of the increased restrictions with Covid-19.

At Oswestry Town Council's full meeting on Wednesday, councillors discussed a report stating which events – such as Remembrance Sunday, Christmas Live and the Christmas Lights switch on – could take place.

The report, which was produced prior to the latest round of Covid-19 restrictions, laid out how the council could still provide public entertainment despite earlier issues also related to the pandemic.

For example, Christmas Live – which usually sees thousands of people head to Oswestry, with hundreds on the Bailey Head – incorporated into a late-night Christmas shopping event with smaller retailers encouraged to remain open.

The report, from town clerk Arren Roberts and markets manager David Clough, suggested hiring an ice rink for people to enjoy but with the new restrictions, that idea was dropped.

It also recommended that the Christmas lights switch-on be a virtual event with a pre-recorded video at a cost of around £750 from an overall budget of £3,000, which was agreed by councillors.

The council also agreed to work with the Royal British legion, and Reverend Harvey Gibbons from St Oswald's Church to plan a way for Remembrance Sunday to be observed, and the town's Bonfire Night and Firework display, which usually takes place at Brogyntyn, to be cancelled.

However, it was suggested that silent fireworks may be used from Cae Glas Park, lasting for around five minutes.

Discussing the plans, councillors were keen to ensure the town council would not be responsible for a Covid outbreak in north Shropshire with both Councillor Sandy Best and the mayor, Cllr Duncan Kerr raising concerns of social distancing.

Cllr Vince Hunt agreed and sounded a note of caution for spending plans one vents that may not happen.

He said: We shouldn't be pre-paying for stuff we're not getting and the government has said these measures may last six months.

"Police have struggled to marshal social distancing and it would be hard to marshal an event with 2,000 people at it.

"We need to be careful to make sure nothing comes back. I would not want Oswestry Town Council to be responsible for a Covid outbreak in Shropshire."

Councillors agreed to find alternative plans to Christmas Live to be reviewed towards the event – in case of more restrictions – and potentially delegated powers if needed.