Villagers turn bus stop into pub

Some of the regulars enjoying a tipple at the bus stop

A bus shelter has been turned into a makeshift pub after a village's local closed down.

The only snag is that regulars in Llangunllo, near Knighton, Powys have to bring along their own drinks.

Complete with an "open" sign, a landlord and a cleaner, the shelter has become a regular haunt for villagers.

They joked there was not enough room for darts or dominoes but it was somewhere where they could chat over the odd glass of wine or cider.

Llangunllo's Greyhound pub closed in 2006 when landlord Bill Matheson died.

Bus stop regular Glenys Middleton said the old pub doubled as a shop and a small petrol station so when it closed locals were left with nothing.

But about 18 months ago a few people started visiting the bus stop for a chat, and now up to 15 now make the nightly pilgrimage to the makeshift pub.

When the pub closed we were left with nothing, but we're now making do with our makeshift pub Bus stop regular Glenys Middleton

Pensioner Mrs Middleton whose son, daughter and grandchildren are also regulars said: "There's a great atmosphere at the bus shelter and everybody loves it.

"When it's a nice evening people just gather for a chat. They have to bring along their own drink, but that's not a problem.

"When the pub closed we were left with nothing, but we're now making do with our makeshift pub."

Another regular, Gaby Rivers, said her partner Ron Davies and Mrs Middleton were born and bred in the village and did not want to see it die because of a lack of public amenities.

"It's the only place where people can get together to meet," she added.

Powys Council said Llangunllo Parish and Community Council was responsible for the shelter, which is used by bus companies during the day.

Community council chair Judy Mitchell said: "I would prefer it if they found somewhere else to meet, but we don't have a pub or a shop in the village so what else are people supposed to do?"