A former Machynlleth bank could be brought back into use, after a leisure company applied for an alcohol premises licence for the building.

The former Barclays bank in Heol Pentrehedyn closed in September and the building has since been left empty, with boards covering up the windows.

But leisure company Mach 1 Leisure Limited has applied to Powys County Council for a licence to serve alcohol between 10am and midnight.

Machynlleth councillor Michael Williams has said he would back efforts to bring the Grade II listed building back into use.

Cllr Williams said: “I very much welcome any moves to reopen empty buildings in Machynlleth.

“It can do nothing but revamp the street scene and give a sense of vitality to the town.

“It’s important that buildings don’t stand empty too long as windows and doors get boarded up and it affects the appearance of the building and the town.

“I welcome any move to reopen the former Barclays bank.

“I do support new ventures for the town as it helps boost the vitality of the town.”

The application for the building would see it open between 10am and 12.30am with conditions for the sale of alcohol both on and off the premises and for regulated entertainment of recorded music.

The application is currently being consulted on with the closing date for responses on 12 January before Powys County Council will make a decision on whether to grant the licence.

See this week’s Machynlleth & Llanidloes paper for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now