THERE are hopes of converting an old Torrington school into a new community centre.

The Bluecoat Infant School site at Whites Lane has stood vacant for years and Devon county councillor, Andy Boyd, is hoping community groups will be able to utilise it.

He told Torrington Town Council the county council would put the building on the open market at the end of March and so any plans would have to move fast.

He said: "I've had a meeting with many of the youth groups in the town and I think this is an opportunity.

"Devon Youth Services are looking for a space and have a budget of £300,000.

"There is also a adult health service looking for somewhere for disability learning with a budget of £250,000.

"An audit is taking place to see what is available in Torrington and what is needed and we're working as quickly as we can."