MAJOR STEPS have been taken to transform an old and 'derelict' building in Stonehouse.

The Old Library building in Elms Road had been unused for a long time and has reportedly attracted anti-social behaviour.

A decision to bring the building to community use was made last year after hundreds signed a petition - it has now been decided who will manage the use of the building.

A lease has been granted to the Stonehouse Market CIC Committee by Gloucestershire County Council. 

A spokesperson for Stonehouse Town Market welcomed the move, saying that they wanted to make the building a 'space for everyone'. 

“We cannot wait to get the builders in and make it functional again.

“Our aim is to provide a community space for everyone to be able to use - it should be something bright, clean and inviting.

“We aim to make it affordable, accessible and a place community groups can meet on a regular basis.

“The space will also have catering facilities that groups can choose to use. 

“The facility will have a dedicated booking site for ease of booking your events in.

“Once we have some dates in the diary for a completion date, we can start taking bookings.

“We cannot wait for the journey to begin.

“We will keep you posted on the progress we make throughout the building works and invite you all to come and seethe changes when it is ready.”

Stroud District Councillor for Stonehouse (Conservative) and Gloucestershire County Council cabinet member Nick Housden welcomed the move, saying he was delighted that one of his election pledges had taken a vital step forward.

“Last year I made bringing this disused and derelict building back into use for the community an election pledge.

 “The news that that lease has now been awarded brings us one step closer to seeing that pledge become a reality.

“I congratulate Stonehouse Market CIC on their successful application and look forward to working closely with them in the future as the managers of this building.

“To see this building reopened and used for clubs like boxing, dance, Zumba and many others will be of huge benefit to the community I represent.”