A CHEPSTOW-based charity is looking to hear what its community wants as it puts a lottery bid together to renovate a newly purchased building.

Chepstow Mencap, for people with learning disabilities, which already has a base at The Berkeley on Station Road, is looking to secure up to £500,000 from the Big Lottery Fund to renovate its new building, the Old Boarding School on Bridge Street.

Project manager Shaun Cooper said he was hoping to get views on what people want in the centre, which he hopes will be completed over the next 12 months.

He said: “We are looking for professionals and businesses to meet and use the facilities, for things like fashion shows, and events for parties.”

And he said he will be meeting with Monmouthshire council over the next few days to gauge what the community needs and what ways the centre can help with those requirements.

He added: “We just want to see what needs to be done so we can make this something for the community to use.”

Activities run by the charity include cooking, gardening and animal care.

To get in touch with the charity and to share your views, call The Berkeley on 01291 623216.