Charity could run Bishop's Castle town hall after repair work finishes

A charity could be formed in Bishop's Castle to take over the historic town hall, it was revealed today. The town council is trying to secure £750,000.

The cash would be used to renovate the Grade II-listed building and the council would like a charitable trust to manage it after repair work is complete.

Council bosses will discuss the matter at a meeting in the town hall on Tuesday at 8pm.

Town council clerk Diane Malley said councillors will look to approve the establishment of a new charity and company limited by guarantee.

She said: "The charity, to be named the Bishop's Castle Town Hall Trust, will act as a trust and manage the town hall post renovation works.

"The main job of the charity and its committee will be to protect and preserve the heritage of the town hall. It will become a limited company to protect the committee."

Town council chiefs have submitted the first application to Shropshire Council planners for the renovation work at the 18th century building on High Street.

This application for restoration and re-ordering of town hall, including the removal of a staircase and installation of a lift, must be accepted by Shirehall before Bishop's Castle councillors lodge a June bid for £579,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

Work at the town hall could start as soon as January 2013 with the trust taking control later that year.