Pupils should be able to be bussed into Powys from Oswestry to study in the Welsh language, a councillor has said.

Powys Council's Plaid Cymru councillor Bryn Davies said that as some 16 to 19-year-olds are being bussed out of Powys into Shropshire to learn, money should also be made available to bring others the other way to study in Welsh.

Cllr Davies, the member for Llanwddyn, the area in which Lake Vyrnwy sits, was speaking at a meeting of the council's learning and skills scrutiny committee on Monday, September 7.

He said: “Is there any way to get some cooperation from Shropshire Council?

“This is very important as there are parts of Shropshire that are naturally Welsh speaking, have been for many centuries and they don’t get the opportunity of receiving their education in Welsh.

“It should be possible for some cooperation on paying for school transport from Shropshire to our bilingual schools here in Powys to help those children.”

Cllr Davies added that there is an important principle at stake as  parents who currently take their children from Oswestry and the surrounding area to Welsh schools are showing an “extraordinary commitment”.

Cllr Davies said: “If there was help I’m sure more would do it as it helps maintain the language and culture of the area.”

Finnace and transport portofolio holder, Cllr Aled Davies, the Conservative councillor for Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant & Llansilin, has agreed to contact Shropshire Council to discuss the issue.

Cllr (Aled) Davies said:”I have no problem with transportation of Welsh speaking children to Powys schools to access some level of Welsh language education.

“I could write or speak to Shropshire Council to see if they are willing to work with us.”

Legally, Powys County Council is obliged to provide and promote access to education and training in the Welsh language.

Tweaks to the council's school transport policy show that exceptions would be made to provide free school transport for those wanting to be taught in Welsh, if it’s not available at their nearest school.

Oswestry – or Croesoswallt as it’s known in Welsh – has changed hands between England and Wales at various points in history, particularly when it was known as a frontier town during the medieval period.

Under the Acts of Union in 1536 and 1543 which formalised the border, and abolished the Marches and the small lordships that had their own courts and laws, Oswestry was placed in England.