OSWESTRY councillors will be asked to give the go-ahead to settle a long-term issue of a way of livening up the Indoor Market Hall shutters.

The shutters for the Powys Market Hall, which is opposite the Guildhall on the Bailey Head, have drawn criticism for their appearance, according to a report from Oswestry Town Council's Retail Markets and Events manager David Clough.

The report, also from town clerk Arren Roberts, says there have been multiple attempts to come up with ways to liven the shutters up, but councillors have never reached consensus on the way forward.

Therefore, at Wednesday's full town council meeting, it is being put forward that a 2016 design be adopted, which incorporates all elements of the market and will cost around £750 for the designs to be procured and published on vinyls.

The reports said: "Despite supporting 40 plus independent businesses, the Oswestry Indoor Market receives unfavourable comments when compared to Shrewsbury and others, such as Newtown.

"The council has supported business financially during lockdown, is investing in tables and chairs, is investing to improve the Wi-Fi and is promoting the market and its traders through a social media campaign.

"That said, most visitors would reflect that the Indoor Market requires a cosmetic makeover."

Councillors will be asked to earmark around £1,500 overall for the project.

There will also be a report for consideration on whether to allow food traders at the front of the market hall to open late on the two Fridays before Christmas and if successful, target more openings in 2021.

Other items on the agenda for the meeting, which starts at 7pm over Zoom, include a request to join the Rural/Market Towns Group at a cost of £150 per year.

They will also be asked to confirm the terms on the partnership between town council and the Future Oswestry Group, while also considering calls for make all town council-operated car parks remote pay.