A VILLAGE in the heart of the Lowther Valley is on the hunt for new tenants to run a valuable community asset.

The Bampton Trust has issued a plea to people who could be interested in managing the local shop, post office, B&B, and tea room in the village.

Prospective residents must have community spirit and enthusiasm to take on the role of managing the building.

The current tenants of Norbrock House, the combined community asset, are moving on so the Trust is looking for people to take over the property at an affordable price.

Susan Bowman, chairman of the Bampton Trust, said: “We are looking for people who are keen to become part of the community and develop the business currently being run from the property.

The Bampton Trust was set up in 1996 with the goal of keeping the community sustainable by offering affordable housing to local residents.

It currently maintains six properties in the village, including Norbrock House, that are fully occupied.

“Bampton is such a lovely village with lots of community spirit and it would be a shame to see one of our main focal points disappear,” said Susan.

There are also grants made available to residents in the area who find themselves in need of help.

The grants can be used for a variety of different ways.

Money has been used to train local first responders, provide books to local schools, and pay for school trips.

One young person from the village who was going off to university received a new laptop with help from the small grant.