A FREQUENTLY vandalised Taunton toilet block that attracted anti-social behaviour is to be bulldozed and replaced with a family centre.

Leaders at Sure Start Taunton are set to move into the purpose-built facility in Lyngford Park, behind Priorswood Library, by the end of the year.

It will act as a base for staff from Sure Start, which provides extra health, education and child development services for under-fours and their families in north and east Taunton.

The organisation will continue its presence in Halcon, where the existing centre is sited.

Project consultant David Evans said: "In our consultation with residents people welcomed the new centre as a focus for existing and future community activities, but were also pleased that this somewhat unsavoury part of Lyngford Park would be put to better use, discouraging anti-social behaviour."

The new centre will have a crche, activity rooms, a quiet 'chill out' room and an area where local people can access resources in a friendly setting.