The Bishop’s Castle Community Land Trust has become the owner of the former Stars Newsagents.

The move which was made possible through the generosity of the late William Bainbridge who left part of his estate to the trust.

Trust chairman Jim Gaffney said: “We are delighted to bring this building into community ownership. Our priority is to get on with the building work to create two flats, which will be let for affordable rent to local people in housing need.”

The building has been left neglected since the shop doors closed for the final time in August 2015.

The trust is applying for grants and can take out a small mortgage, but that will leave around £75,000 to be found from other sources.

Trust’s secretary Jonathan Brown said: “We hope that many of them, as well as those people wanting to see the heart of their town coming back to life, will want to give what they can to help.”

Donations can be made online by going to; www.bcclt.co.uk/donate, or a cheque can be sent with an address on the back, in an envelope marked ‘Stars Appeal’ to Enterprise House, Station Street, Bishops Castle SY9 5AQ. Every penny received will go directly towards the cost of the building work.