THE FORMER Chep­stow Board School building is to get a new lease of life thanks to a local charity.

The school – which was most recently used as a Stuart Crystal shop – has been bought by Chepstow Mencap.

Two "viewing days" have been organised for Friday and Sunday (November 22 and 24) for members of the society and the general public between noon and 3pm.

Project manager John Stafford said: "While appreciating that the building is still in the same state as when acquired we wish for parents, carers and members to get an idea of the building's features, an insight into the challenges we will encounter and, hopefully, enlis their support for this exciting and worthwhile venture."

Chepstow Mencap has been based at the Berkeley Centre – the former Berkeley Arms pub – in Station Road for about 15 years but needs more space to provide services for its members, adults with learning difficulties.

The society used its reserve funds to buy the building in Bridge Street at the end of August this year.

The building has not been used since Stuart Crystal moved out in 2008 and now needs to be renovated and refurbished.

The society is making an application to the Big Lottery Fund for a "substantial" grant although other grants and more fund-raising will be needed to cover the full cost.

The building will also be available for use by other community groups and people are asked to complete an online survey at the society's website http://www.chepstow">www.chepstow mencap.btck.co.uk to help assess potential demand.