Firm plans move to Market Drayton's former magistrates court
Market Drayton's former magistrates court could be brought back to life as a call centre – four years after it closed.
At least 40 jobs could be created by reopening Market Drayton's former court building in Cheshire Street, according to those behind the proposals.
Plans to convert the building have been submitted to Shropshire Council.
Applicant Will Associates is currently based in Poynton House in Shropshire Street and in August last year announced plans to move into the former Trade Secrets building in Cheshire Street.
But bosses said the call centre had outgrown the building's capacity of 70 employees before it moved in and said it now wants to move into the court building – which could see 40 roles created including some in legal departments and administration.
The news has been welcomed by civic and business leaders who think fresh life in the building is long overdue.
Mark Whittle, chairman of Market Drayton Chamber of Trade and Commerce, said: "I knew about this development from the beginning.
"I think it is really good that a company like this is coming to Market Drayton and willing to inject a lot of cash into the business.
"It is a really good world-wide business and will give employees a chance to work in a successful company.
"It is about time the building is used. It used to belong to Market Drayton Town Council, I believe, before it was taken off us by Shropshire Council. To develop it into the call centre is a good idea – it will just grow.
"It is right in the centre of town so will bring lunch time trade and after work trade for the local shops and cafe owners, it is win win all round.
"With this many jobs it will be one of the biggest single employers in the town.
"I think it is really good and fully support the idea."
Mayor Tim Beckett has previously welcomed the plans to expand saying that any locally created jobs would be a positive thing for the town. Last year, bosses at the company said they hoped it would offer people in the town a "different" kind of job, rather than factory work offered by the town's big employers like Muller Wiseman or Palethorpes Pie Factory.
The magistrates court used to sit twice a week and was one of the main magistrate's serving north Shropshire, but was shut in April 2011 because of Government cutbacks.
