A recession-hit community has received another boost this week after hearing a second pub will re-open its doors to punters.
The Castle Hotel, 14 High Street, Wem, is expected to re-open at the end of this month or early May.
Officials at Punch Taverns, which owns the pub, said they are in discussions with potential new licensees, although nothing has been signed.
The pub closed about a month ago, but has had three tenants in the past two years.
Delighted residents are hopeful new jobs will be created following concerns over the number of pubs that have closed down in the town in the last 12 months.
Last week the Chronicle exclusively revealed that the The Albion, on Aston Street, was also set to reopen next month after being closed for almost a year.
In August, Wem town councillors raised concerns with Punch Taverns, owner of many of the closed venues, asking them to reconsider closures, fearing they would lead to more anti-social behaviour and drinking in the streets.
John Murray, owner of Wem Treacle Mine sweet shop, said: “The opening of the pub will be brilliant for Wem, especially the High Street which is in need of a lift.
“At one time we had more than 11 pubs open in the town and they were all thriving, but many of them have now closed.”
Jon Howard, a spokesperson for CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), said: “A re-opening of two community pubs is wonderful news at a time when closed pubs currently blight the landscape.
“Well-run pubs are the lifeblood of local communities, providing an outlet for social occasions, meetings and community events.
“I would therefore encourage pub-lovers to give all the support for these re-opened pubs in these tough times for the industry.”
Jo Sandall, for Punch Taverns, said: “We are working to re-open the pub as soon as possible. There is no fixed date as yet but we are hopeful for the end of April or early May.”