Next part of £1m hall work is to start

The next step in a £1 million transformation of a Mid Wales town hall is to begin next week, it was revealed today.

Welshpool Town Council said building contractors would be moving in next week to draw up plans to transform the market hall section of the building.

The work is set to change the room into a permanent market with kiosk-style shops. The council hopes the scheme will help to boost the local economy and attract more tourists to the area.

Robert Robinson, council clerk, said: "The building company are coming to meet me and to look at the market space on Monday and then we are hoping work will get under way as soon as possible.

"I think there has been quite a deal of enthusiasm towards the scheme, with many of the current market stall holders already sounding positive about it."

The market has already moved to extended opening hours by opening on Fridays in addition to Mondays and Saturdays.

If the scheme continues to be popular, the council hopes to make it a six-day market from October.

Mr Robinson added: "Work to provide disabled access, a new lift, new toilets and refurbishment to the front door entrance and stairs was finished in October and that phase cost £150,000. But in total, the whole project will cost more than £1 million and should take another 18 months."