A PROJECT to convert a former Whitchurch shop into a community centre has received a welcome boost following a visit from the Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire.

On Monday, April 26, the Beacon Church welcomed Anna Turner to the Watergate Centre, located in the former Store 21 and Argos premises.

The Beacon Church took ownership of the centre in December 2020 and aims to turn the building into another community centre, alongside the Civic Centre and the Beech Tree centre

Dr James Muir, one of the leaders of the church who also works as a GP in town, described the visit as a massive honour and a huge encouragement.

"The Beacon Church was delighted to welcome Anna Turner, Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire to the Watergate centre in Whitchurch on Monday," said Dr Muir

"Anna spent over an hour carefully looking around the premises and couldn't have been kinder, more helpful or more interested."

Mrs Turner meanwhile was complimentary of the project.

"The plans for the Watergate centre are most impressive and such a wonderful, ambitious project," she said.

"It was lovely to feel inspired by the Beacon's enthusiasm."

Meanwhile the Beacon Church is hoping to raise about £300,000 to complete the renovation work needed for the building.

Dr Muir added: "For those willing to give, our commitment is to plough our experience, energies, resources and faith into turning this building into a place that will welcome and serve the most vulnerable, and be a catalyst for this town to grow as a loving, accepting and compassionate community."