A former newsagents is once again playing its part at the centre of Bishop’s Castle after being transformed into a community venue that "the whole town can be proud of".

The former Stars News Shop in Church Street has been disused since 2015, but now after more than five years of neglect this building will be able to provide a welcoming meeting place for a wide variety of local groups.

Grant money was awarded to the Bishop’s Castle & District Community Land Trust, which will help in the creation of an informal drop-in venue, following a successful bid to Shropshire Council.

Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council cabinet member for culture, leisure and tourism, said: "Collectively, we all want our town centres to be thriving and full of community spirit, which is why it is so great to hear about the exciting plans for the former Stars News shop.

"Transforming a long-standing, unoccupied space into a hub for local community groups will be refreshing for the town, its residents, and visitors. I look forward to the space becoming a venue the whole town can be proud of."

Local groups such as the Bishop’s Castle Befriending Circle, in collaboration with Enterprise Southwest Shropshire, hope the venue will become a digital learning centre, helping those within the community gain support to access technology. The grant awarded by Shropshire Council, together with match funding, will allow the trust to build a shopfront with disabled access, provide IT equipment for digital learning, a display area, seating and desks for customers.

The Bishop’s Castle & District Community Land Trust is a community-managed project responsible for renovating and developing this building into an asset for the benefit of the people of Bishop’s Castle and the wider area.

Jenny Olivant a member of the Bishop’s Castle Michaelmas fair committee, said: "This year we are planning to utilise the space behind the venue to set up a food court for visitors to enjoy. We hope to expand the event in future years and the new space on Church Street will play a pivotal in bringing the community together."

Shropshire Councillor for Bishop’s Castle Ruth Houghton, said: "The renovation of this run down property will provide two new units of affordable accommodation for local people, something that the town desperately needs. Bringing this building back into use will also make a huge difference to the appearance of our high street."

Janet Gamble, volunteer for the Animal Samaritans explained that the space was used last year for a community event.

"The site is situated in a fantastic location and has stood empty for far too long, she said. "This project will breathe much-needed new life into Bishop’s Castle."