Bench used to smash historic Oswestry landmark 'in broad daylight'

A deputy mayor has appealed for information after a heavy bench was thrown at a historic and religious site.

Myth has it that Oswald's Well, in Oswald's Well Lane, Oswestry, sprung to life after the arm of the saint whose name is linked to the town was dropped by an eagle.

Councillor Jay Moore, Oswestry's Deputy Mayor, estimated that the cost of the damage to the masonry will cost "into the thousands" but that a local stonemason has offered his services in a community spirited offer.

"I estimate that it would have needed a minimum of four people to pick the bench up and drop it," said Councillor Moore. "Information so far narrows it down to happening between 2pm and 4pm on Saturday...in broad daylight."

The heavy bench had struck masonry at the well and dislodged pieces of it.

Council employees have been out to make the site safe and Councillor Moore says the bench will have to be fixed into the ground to secure it.