Extra cash for market hall revamp

Powis Hall Market received more than 1,400 votes

The revamp of a Shropshire market hall is a step closer after a town council said it would help fund the scheme.

Oswestry's Powis Hall Market is to be made over by top designers Sir Terence Conran and Tara Bernerd after winning a competition run by the Times.

Oswestry Town Council, which owns the 1960s building, agreed to match money put forward by the contest organisers.

The council said it would provide some money as well as search for external funding.

Town clerk David Preston said the council recognised renovating the market was a larger job than the organisers had anticipated.

He said: "Initially, we're looking at better lighting, better access to the top floor, better heating in the winter.

"And above all we need to create a vibrancy in the place that will attract shoppers back and help our market traders."

The market received 1,407 votes to win the Times and mydeco.com's Yourspace competition for a makeover last month.

Sir Terence is expected to visit the Powis Hall in August.

Work is expected to start after Christmas, with the new-look market hall being unveiled next Easter.