PLANS for a law firm to set up shop in a disused town centre bank have been praised.

Oswestry town councillors have run the rule over GHP Legal's proposed move to the former Co-operative Bank on the Cross.

Councillor Duncan Kerr told the latest planning and development committee meeting that the authority should not just to offer no objection, but to support the proposals.

He said: "I welcome this because the building has been disused for a while now and I think it's going to be not only an improvement to the building but putting it to a good use."

Council members agreed to support the proposal, and welcomed a prominent town centre property being brought back into good use.

GHP Legal - which also has offices in Wrexham, Chirk and Llangollen - currently has its Oswestry operations in nearby Willow Street.

The proposed scheme would include refurbishment works to the interior and exterior of the two-storey building.

A planning statement by agent Gavin Porritt, of DPA Ltd, says: "GHP Legal have purchased the building to allow them to operate within the town centre.

"GHP Legal is seeking permission to carry out the necessary works to enable the business to continue to expand, flourish and assist members of the public."

As well as the refurbishment there is a submission for new signage on the front of the building.

The Co-operative Bank decided to close its Oswestry branch in 2016 because of the increase in online banking.