CHEPSTOW'S Old Board School has been sold to the Chepstow and District Mencap Society for £140,000.

The building, sold by Monmouthshire County Council, will be used by the charity as a 'hub' where individuals with learning disabilities can access various activities and clubs in a safe and friendly environment.

The Victorian building has been empty for some time and is therefore in need of money to aid repair work.

Recently, Mencap has gone from strength to strength and the request for places is out growing the capacity that can be offered. Therefore, the group took the bold step to spend some savings on the purchase of a building alongside its base in Berkeley.

A charity spokesman said: "The Old Board School, which in more recent years was used by Stewart Crystal Glass as a 'Factory Shop', has not been occupied for a number of years.

"Consequently the building needs renovation and refurbishment, which will attract significant costs.

"The society is making an application to the Big Lottery Fund for a substantial grant to assist us with our vision of providing our service users with additional premises and greater space to experience activities which are designed to develop social skills, promote independence and, at the same time, provide fun and enjoyment.

"Even if we are successful in our bid for Big Lottery Funding the grant, it will not cover all renovations and the purchase cost of equipment needed, so we will pursue applications for other grants and continue with fundraising."

Mencap is offering the building out to other groups in town who may need a place to meet.

"The building can be made available for use for community groups and organisations that may have a need to use facilities.

"This is a project that will not only benefit our service users, but also the community of Chepstow." Visit http://www.mencap.org.uk/donate">www.mencap.org.uk/donate to donate to the cause.