MINEHEAD is set to get a new Community Building and sports changing rooms at the Irnham Recreation Ground - but moves to include council offices in the plans have been put on hold.

At its full council meetings held at Minehead Middle School on Tuesday night, following a report on progress since the last meeting from acting town clerk Bryan Howe, the council agreed that the total budget for the project should be capped at £900,000, with Minehead Town Council agreeing to fund £300,000 from its reserves.

The council also agreed to set aside £15,000 for the buildings running costs in its 2019/20 budget, and a further £25,000 a year from 2020/2021, and agreed to appoint Qube Construction Solutions Ltd as the main contractor.

In his report Mr Howe dismissed reports that the costs could reach £2m, and said since the last meeting all relevant historical reports had been sent to councillors so that they could make a fully informed decision.

"There were two public information sessions which were held on November 10 and 17 where questions were answered, photos and plans were displayed," Mr Howe said.

"More than 100 people attended and 70 comments were left, and all councillors have had an opportunity to review the feedback.

"More accurate construction costs are now available and I can report that the community building and sports changing room, including all fees, can be built for less than £1m, however this does not include the public toilets, offices or demolition of the old main building."

Mr Howe emphasised that the building would be owned by Minehead Town Council and would be rented out to other organisations including Minehead Football Club, and that the grants which are funding most of the project are on the condition that the building is used for the whole community.

Decisions about following up the office and public toilet options were deferred and passed on to the relevant advisory groups.