MORE than £1.2million in Hinkley money is now one step closer to providing a major boost for community projects across the county.

West Somerset Council’s cabinet has given its support for five projects who now look set for between £70,000 and £500,000.

The cash comes from a £7.2million pot called the Community Impact Mitigation (CIM) funding, which was set up as part of EDF’s successful Hinkley Point C planning application.

The bids for funding will now go a full council meeting, where they require a final thumbs-up before any money is handed out.

The largest application recommended for approval by the cabinet was £500,000 for YMCA Somerset Coast’s Great Western Hotel project.

This is just part of the estimated £2.28million that will be required to get the old hotel back open.

Cllr Martin Dewdney said: “The Great Western Hotel is an iconic building that has sat empty for many years. There is a lot more money to find but I believe they are well on their way. I look forward to it opening.”

One of the most discussed applications was for £71,150 to fund an outreach sexual health support project for people aged 11-24 in West Somerset, run by Minehead Eye.

Cllr David Westcott said: “To me, this is very important in West Somerset. In the bigger towns and cities, I am told that there are lots of places young people can go and it is very difficult for people who are out in the country or in a village.

“Teenagers can be very worried. Hopefully they can find somewhere they can go for advice. It is a difficult subject to discuss. It is not a need to encourage, but a need for information.”

Cllr Dewdney added: “The key area here is young people aged 11 to 24. They are coming to the teenage and adult years and I believe it is very important to have regular professional advice available for the challenges faced when coming through those ages.”

Cllr Susan Goss said: “I am pleased that this application also has a focus on mental health.

“It is becoming more of a problem, especially with the addition of social media.”

Minehead Town Council’s application for £382,047 for new changing rooms and a community hall at the town’s recreation ground was also approved unanimously by the cabinet.

The total cost of the project is estimated as £763,000.

Discussing the Minehead application, Cllr Dewdney said: “It is now six and a half years since this was first mentioned.

"I have to say there is a lot of good stuff in here. Minehead has nothing like this at the moment.

“The facilities will be available to rent, the floodlit pitch will be excellent, and this will be a true community hall. Let’s hope they are used.”

Cllr Jean Parbrook, who is also the mayor of Minehead, said: “Speaking with my chairman of Minehead Town Council hat on, I am delighted with the recommendation for approval.

“There are very few community buildings like this in Minehead. This will be a tremendous addition for us.

“The building will be completely managed by Minehead Town Council and then let out to other community groups as needed, and the football club on the same basis.”

A Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP) for £112,235 to go towards the Naturally Active Project was also passed unanimously by West Somerset Council’s cabinet.

The total project cost is set to be £376,815.

The final sum recommended for approval was £159,035 to Somerset Wildlife Trust for the Brilliant Coast project – a project which it is estimated will cost £186,386.

The total amount approved at Wednesday’s meeting was £1,224,467.