A sports pavilion near Market Drayton that was left gutted by fire is on the way to being replaced after £100,000 plans for a new building were revealed.

Fire ripped through the timber-framed Norton-in-Hales Cricket Club pavilion in January.

But now Norton-in-Hales Parish Council has submitted formal plans for a new multi-purpose sports centre and community hall.

Parish council chairman Ron Lucas said it was “a great relief” to know the community project had taken a step forward.

He said: “I’m sure everyone is really eagerly awaiting the opening of the new building and it will be an asset for Norton-in-Hales.

“The cost is likely to be in excess of £100,000 and while the council has applied for permission it is likely to ultimately be owned by the cricket club, but the project is very much a community effort.

“The primary school will use the new building extensively and it will run as an ancillary building to the village hall for other activities.”

He added that work could be under way by January if all planning hurdles are cleared.

Funding for the scheme has come from community sources including the cricket club and Norton-in-Hales Primary School.

Shropshire County Council has ploughed in at least £30,000.

The pavilion was almost completely destroyed by a fire on January 7.

The planning application is for a new “community sports building following demolition of the existing building” in Bearstone Road.

Planning authority North Shropshire District Council, will make a decision on the scheme.