South Shropshire town aims to have a new public hall

The wheels have been put in motion to try and have a new public hall in Bishop’s Castle.

The current building on Station Street – that holds flexible space for events, parties and performances – has been deemed surplus to requirements.

Residents voted to dispose of the building at a public meeting on July 28, with Bishop’s Castle Town Council ratifying the decision.

Another meeting held on Monday (September 7) heard that the hall has been sold to sawmill and timber supplier, Ransford & Son Ltd for £150,000.

The next step is to form a committee to a build a new public hall “to rival” nearby villages such as Norbury and Lydbury North.

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Councillor Josh Dickin, the Mayor of Bishop’s Castle, said someone has already offered the potential to donate some land, which he said is “in a picturesque location” and within walking distance.

“That, in my opinion, needs to be the focus of a new committee – this is not about running a hall, it’s about building a hall,” said Councillor Dickin.

“My opinion is we need to invest the money into a new facility.

“If you’re going to do it, you have to do it properly.

“There’s been numerous attempts, over quite a few years, to form a committee for the still standing public hall, to no avail.

“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.

“I know we’re not a village, we’re a town, but we are really a village when it comes to size. It’s time for a new beginning, and it’s what the town wants.”

Councillors are due to approve a motion at a meeting next week that will enable the mandate of the town council’s CCLA account to be changed so that interest can be secured.

“But I don’t want sit and be stubborn and three years down [the line], the money the money is still sitting there,” said Councillor Dickin.

“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 added that other funding will have to be secured, including grants being applied for.

“I can’t see this being a five minute job, but I would personally like to see something delivered within three to five years,” said Councillor Dickin.

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

“Some people say you can’t build, but at the end of the day, you’ve just disposed of something with seven or eight toilets.

“Some people say we need to build in the town, well unfortunately the decision was made on July 28.”

Answering questions about other places the hall could be, Councillor Dickin said the old bowling club cannot be built on because it’s protected green space, while he believes the playing fields is not the right setting.

“A consultation will have to happen for where it goes,” he said.

“I’m not saying it’s a done deal, but you’re running out of spaces that are suitable.”

Councillor Dickin confirmed a councillor will be on any new committee, and the town council remain the custodian trustees.

“But we need people on the ground to get it running,” he said.

“We need a committee of doers and people who have experience in doing things.”

Councillor Dickin added that an accompanying car park would have to cater for three cars per every 10 people to adhere to set quota rules.

Anyone interested in being part of a committee were asked to leave their details. A follow-up meeting will be held on September 28 at Bishop’s Castle Town Hall.