Llangollen Canal restaurant plan

A new restaurant and bar could be built next to a beauty spot in north Shropshire, business leaders have revealed.

A mystery bidder is in talks with developers to transform the disused canal building next to the Llangollen Canal in Ellesmere.

Lincoln McMullan, chairman of Ellesmere Chamber of Trade and Commerce, welcomed the move.

He said: "I believe someone is in talks with developers over the scheme which I fully support and think would be brilliant for the town. The building has been disused for a number of years, so it will be good for it to be put back into use."

Meanwhile, Mr McMullan has also backed plans to create a new hotel in the town.

The hotel plan is in its infancy and came about as a result of councillors being asked to come up with ways of how to spend a share of funds under the Shropshire Council's Market Towns Revitalisation Programme.

Mr McMullan added: "We have got most things in Ellesmere, but a hotel is something we desperately need."