A FORMER inn where Kington people slaked their thirsts over three centuries could be set for a new lease of life.

Plans have been submitted to convert the old coach house at the rear of the former Castle Inn in Church Street into four cottages.

Applicants also propose to change the main body of the 18th century inn, which was last a public house in 1992, into two shops and three flats.

Agent Bryan Thomas said: "Nothing is going to change really, the building is going to be renovated as much as anything else.

"It all looks a little bit sad at the moment. It's amazing how quickly a building can get run down. It will be nice to rejuvenate it."

The inn, which was originally called the Crown, was kept by a Mr James in 1845 and was described as a 'lofty spacious house, well suited for the accommodation of farmers and others who may be disposed to attend here on fair days'.

The James family proved to be prominent in the town at that time and other family members also resided at the Harp Inn and the Royal Oak, just up the road.