'Time for new start' after £150k public hall sale

2 hours ago

Paul RogersLocal Democracy Reporting Service

News image — Bishop's Castle Public Hall has been sold for £150,000

Bishops Castle Town Council A building including a sign with the words Bishops Castle public hall for the community. Four barriers are visible outside the building. — Bishop's Castle Public Hall has been sold for £150,000

A town's mayor said it is "time for a new beginning", after a public hall in Shropshire was sold for £150,000, a meeting heard.

Residents voted to dispose of the building on Station Street in Bishop's Castle at a previous public meeting in July, with the town council ratifying the decision.

The next step is to form a committee to build a new public hall.

Bishop's Castle's mayor, councillor Josh Dickin, said someone had already offered the potential to donate some land, which he said was "in a picturesque location" and within walking distance.

The current building, deemed surplus to requirements, holds space for events, parties and performances.

It had been sold to sawmill and timber supplier Ransford & Son Ltd, a meeting on Monday was told.

The mayor said: "It's not fit for the 21st century when we've got the likes of Norbury, Lydbury and various other village halls that absolutely outshine us."

He stated his opinion was that money needed to be invested into a new facility and added: "It's time for a new beginning, and it's what the town wants."

Local Democracy Reporting Service A man with a beard and dark hair is sat in front of book rest with a brown wooden wall background. He is wearing a pale green T-shirt. — Mayor Josh Dickin, who chaired a meeting to provide an update, said funding would have to be secured

"It's going to be a hall for the 21st century and the future. Now's the chance to rival other places and put it out there as a new community facility."

The mayor said funding would have to be secured, including applying for grants.

"I can't see this being a five-minute job, but I would personally like to see something delivered within three to five years," Dickin stated.

"I think the biggest thing is the land, but conversations have already happened, the land is pretty much there."

The mayor said a consultation would "have to happen for where it goes".

"I'm not saying it's a done deal, but you're running out of spaces that are suitable," he said.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.