Construction is shortly to begin on the Cheddar Community Pavilion at Sharpham Road Playing Fields.

The work involves improvements to the existing sports pavilion and building a new wing to more than double the overall size of the building.

The new facility will contain a large recreation hall, smaller meeting area, bar and kitchen, offering opportunities for all age groups from pre-school to U3A.

In developing the plans Cheddar Parish Council has worked closely with the existing users of the pavilion; the Cheddar cricket, football and rugby clubs and consulted widely throughout the community.

With the projected increase in the population of Cheddar over the next few years the pavilion will provide welcome additional opportunities for leisure activities.

The pavilion, which has been designed by local architect Kelly Clark, is being part funded through the Hinkley Point C Community Impact Mitigation Fund, in partnership with Somerset West and Taunton Council, Sedgemoor District Council and Somerset County Council.

The balance of the cost is to be paid from Community Infrastructure Levy received for new housing development in the parish.

Chairman of Cheddar Parish Council Peter Colton said: "This is a very exciting project for the village.

"The new pavilion will be managed by the parish council for the benefit of the whole community; a facility that everyone can use. It has been delayed by lockdown, but finally we are underway."

The parish council has appointed DR Jones (Yeovil) Ltd as principal contractor. The first task is to dismantle the fitness equipment and play area in front of the building.

The exercise bars are to be re-sited at Hannah More Park and the children's playground will be re-installed near the skate park.

Work on the new building itself is due to start in early August with completion scheduled for March 2021.