Longhope bus stop transformed into community space

A community has come together to transform a "dull" bus stop into a community space.

Named Longhope's Latchen Central, the bus stop in the Forest of Dean village now includes a book swap and the village noticeboard.

Ann Newbury, who helped set it up, said she hopes villagers use the space "as a library" and "to chat".

"Libraries have taken a big hit in finance cuts for local authorities and books are so important," she added.

The shelter also now includes a village map, listing crucial numbers and information such as where the village's defibrillators are located.

Tina Coull said the idea to transform the bus stop came after she approached the parish council about putting hanging baskets on the bus shelter.

She said: "I put two hanging baskets up and they were absolutely stunning and that's what really started it - right what else can we do."

Ms Coull later gathered support from the community, including putting out pleas for people to help with the build and design.

She said: "We've involved a lot of the community. Everybody's got different skills."

"On the opening day we had 60-80 people here. It's just so heart warming to see that everybody has supported it," she added.

Ms Newbury said before the transformation the "very large bus stop" was "dull" and a "wasted space".

"We're so pleased with what we've achieved. We've had lots of generous donations," she said.

"It really feels like we've achieved something positive in the village."

Ms Coull said in Longhope "everybody works together" and they were "very very lucky and fortunate to live in such a wonderful village".

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