Welshpool’s Motte and Bailey site is being rented to a dog training business which have said it’s already proven to be an “absolute asset”.

As Welshpool Town Council considers ways forward with the town’s historic Motte and Bailey site, the lease for the area has been taken on by the owner of Welshpool based business Willow's Walks and Dog Services.

Owner of the business, Christoper McKeown, revealed via social media that he had taken on the lease for the site and is currently using it for dog training.

He said: “I’m currently utilising this space for dog training, where I spend a lot of time supporting reactive and aggressive dogs.

"In the time that I’ve taken over the lease, it’s already proven to be an absolute asset to dogs who display behaviour that is more complex.

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“I also utilise it for puppy training and obedience driven training. I do plan on making it available for private rental in the future, for those of you who might prefer to hire a space for your own dogs.”

The town council agreed to a £180 monthly rent at the most recent Property and Services committee meeting in April, where councillors also discussed the site’s long-term future.

Despite funding and efforts to improve the site, currently owned by Powys estates, the lack of action in renovating the historic site and failure to re-open it to the public has led Welshpool Town Council to consider its future in managing the site.

Mr McKeown added: “I know people have their own idea of how they think this space should be utilised, but in the meantime I'm grateful that I get to utilise it for dog training and related services.

"It's a beautiful space and I'm just thankful that I have the opportunity to create a safe space while training dogs and it's not going to be taken for granted.

“If anyone would like to have a look around then please contact me directly (Willow’s Walks and Dog Services on Facebook). I will happily show you around and help you decide if the space is suitable for your dog.”