LEOMINSTER Town Council has been handed the keys to its new community hub.

The council has purchased 11 Corn Square, in Leominster town centre, with funds from the Public Works Loan Board.

It plans to re-locate to the building from its West Street offices this autumn, while the town’s Tourist Information Centre (TIC) will also move into the new building next year.

Paul Russell, Leominster town council clerk, said the council is now discussing how best to make the building work for it and is gaining quotations for things like broadband.

"Volunteers from the TIC have had a couple of opportunities to go and have a look at the building and they can start feeding in as to how they think the whole building can work,” he said.

"Downstairs we have a couple of prospective tenants who we have also shown the building to and we are currently in discussions.

"Some young people involved in a youth project have also been helping to clear the garden out."

It is hoped that the town council will be able to move in at the beginning of October, with the TIC then taking over ground floor space early next year.

A lift will also have to be installed, while the garden can be used for community events.

Mayor of Leominster, Councillor Angela Pendleton, said: "It's a very exciting time for Leominster.

"The council is really upbeat about moving over and we think of it as a community hub for all different groups to come together under one roof. We have got the TIC which is great and they will be front of house.

"We see it as an all-encompassing place where people can come for information.

"We are on a tremendous journey and there is a good feeling in Leominster at the moment."