A POPULAR outdoor pursuits centre which was closed due to council funding cuts is to be brought back to life.

Mountain Bike Wales has taken ownership the Staylittle Outdoor Centre and will use it as accommodation to run cycling tours and yoga workshops from what will be known as 'The Lodge, Staylittle'.

Earlier this year Powys County Council agreed the sale of the former outdoor pursuits centre under delegated powers, after it went up for auction the previous autumn.

The council's last outdoor education centre, despite a 5,000 strong petition objecting to the closure the Freedom Leisure-run facility, it was shut in April 2018 to make annual savings of £130,000 after attempts to find an alternative operator failed.

But now it is set for a new lease of life.

In a statement Mountain Bike Wales said: "We’re now the proud owners of Staylittle Outdoor Centre, situated half way between Llanidloes and Machynlleth in the heart of the Cambrian Mountains.

"It’s been a hard nine months getting here, but we’re really excited and looking forward to owning our own accommodation to run cycling tours and yoga workshops, welcome other businesses and guests, from what will be known as ‘The Lodge, Staylittle.’

"As two local and independent businesses, we’ve been encouraging people to visit mid Wales for over 15 years, not to just to join us, but to visit other friends and businesses in our beautiful countryside, and look forward to continuing these partnerships and encouraging people to experience our wild and rugged landscape however they may choose.

"During the past nine months, there are a lot of people to thank as you can imagine, but we would like to thank a few people today - the Cabinet and officers from Property Services at Powys County Council for considering and accepting our vision and business case, and the challenge, but worth the effort. Keith Griffiths, Business Manager at NatWest in Newtown for understanding our proposal, Rowan Jones, Business Wales for joining the dots, Hannah, Gary and Alison, Steve, Adrian our Solicitor, and all our friends for your advice and support to just go for it. It really was very much appreciated."

The statement added: "We will be opening with 34 beds later this year after an extensive refurbishment which starts this week (Izzie has already been tidying) so please keep an eye open for updates via social media, and our promo page at www.thelodgestaylittle.co.uk and on Instagram at @thelodgestaylittle

"As you can imagine, we’re over the moon. There really is no finer place to live, work and play."