THE 800 residents of Angersleigh, Blagdon Hill and Pitminster are to have their say on plans for a new £600,000 community hall.

Supporters hope to attract up to £500,000 Big Lottery money and £70,000 from the county and district councils for the facility at Sellicks Green playing field, in Blagdon Hill.

Project leader Duncan Meikle and his group have been working on the scheme since 2004, including visits to other completed local village halls.

The proposed building includes a main hall for meetings capable of seating 120 people and also for sports use, two changing rooms, a kitchen and other facilities Mr Meikle said: "The sad fact is that there is not one suitable meeting place in either of our three villages which fulfils the needs of a busy community of over 800 people.

"The building needs to be adaptable to meet the demands and the high hopes voiced in our parish plan questionnaire by more than 80% of the people in the 400 homes.

"For this dream to become reality we need all the effort we can muster, plus we also have to raise at least £50,000."

The finishing touches are being put to the Big Lottery application, which must be made by April 30.

A meeting to consult residents is at the Queen's Arms, Pitminster, on Saturday, April 14 in two sessions at 11.30am and 2pm.