LUDLOW MP Philip Dunne is encouraging the public to support Bishops Castle’s SpArC charity in a grant funding appeal.

Save the SpArC charity has been shortlisted for a grant from the Calor Rural Community Fund, following an application for funding to install a café at the site.

The competition now enters the public voting phase, and the more votes SpArC can secure, the more likelihood of receiving support.

“SpArC has great community support, which has allowed it to survive and thrive as a charity asset for the community in and around Bishops Castle,” said Mr Dunne.

“This fundraising appeal is a great opportunity to mobilise that support, and hopefully bring in some additional grant funding to put in place a new café in the old Centre entrance. I encourage the public to lend their support by voting online.”

SpArC Leisure Centre is based in Bishops Castle, and most of its users live in the South West Shropshire hills and the Marches. Membership increased from 300 to 400 over the last two years. Attendances totalled 77,000 in 2019, rising by 3,000 in a year.

Each like on the page will earn one vote, and an additional 10 votes are awarded to everyone who makes a donation. Votes can be made online until 5pm on Friday, July 16 at https://communityfund.calor.co.uk/wwwsavethesparccom.