FORMER owners have reopened a prominent Machynlleth hotel and restaurant after it went into receivership with debts believed to be over £1m.

The Cambrian News revealed in January that the historic Wynnstay Hotel on Maengwyn Street had been closed and staff laid off since late December, and that Charles and Sheila Dark - previous owners of the hotel between 1998 and 2008 - were stepping in with a rescue package.

Mr Dark told the Cambrian News this week that the doors had been reopened on Wednesday, but that the deal for the purchase of the hotel had not yet gone through.

“We have conducted a soft opening and are looking forward to welcoming people,” Mr Dark said.

“It should be a matter of weeks before we finalise the deal and can start spending money on it.

“We have very big, exciting plans for the hotel and to get to this stage is good news.”

Residents and local councillors had raised concerns over the hotel’s sudden closure earlier this year.

Mr Dark said this week that the hotel will be “fully operational” by the time of the popular annual Machynlleth comedy festival, which takes place this year from 29 April.

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