SHAP residents are a step closer to increasing the services in the village after winning important backing from Cumbria County Council.

A residents' group has been given permission to take over a key village building - the former courthouse - and nearby land where the old sports hall was.

In a deal called a Community Asset Transfer, Shap Community Buildings Group will take them over following talks dating back three years.

Although the fine detail has to be agreed, the group hope to revitalise services so residents do not have to always travel to Penrith or Kendal.

Delighted group chairman Stephen Mott said it plans to enhance the former courthouse building, which is currently in use as a library and play group. "Additionally, the group has established, through public consultation, what the needs of Shap villagers' are," he said.

"This means the SCBG has a clear plan of how the sites can be developed for those who not only live in Shap, but for those from surrounding villages who visit the local shops and medical centre."

The Shap scheme is one of the first in the county where a substantial Community Asset Transfer has been agreed so that the community can take ownership of its needs and provide services.

"We hope to continue a good relationship with the county and district councils as we phase in the take-over of running these services, including an enhanced library provision, which will for the first year at least, be subject to a service level agreement with CCC," said Mr Mott.