A SHAP residents’ group held an open day showcasing their proposals to redevelop the former courthouse and nearby land where the old sports hall was.

Shap Community Building Group will manage and maintain the building on behalf of the community once the Community Asset Transfer of these assets by Cumbria County Council to the group has been finalised.

Plans include retaining library provision and facilities for the pre-school playgroup and providing a delivery base in the village for other service providers.

There is also a proposal for a small gym which would help to generate income for the project.

Stephen Mott, chairman of the SCB Group said: “We are grateful to all those who came along to the Library Open Day and who showed a willingness to get involved in this vital community project.

“It is only through our energy and determination that we will see this project succeed and create a vibrant centre at the heart of the village where we will be able to maintain the services we enjoy at present and develop new facilities that we will need for the future.”