THE first classes have been held in Williton's fantastic new pavilion facility in the Memorial Recreation Ground.

The project, which cost just shy of £1.5m, had an open day for visitors on Saturday, (December 1) and this week has had the first zumba and pilates classes taking place, with a Christmas Festival set to take place on Wednesday, December 12.

Project lead, Cllr Bill Vaughan, said: “After 20 years of planning and fundraising, Williton's new £1.5 million community building is now a reality.

"Without the support of West Somerset Council and EDF Energy’s Community Impact Mitigation Fund, this project would not have been successful.

"We have just received the keys and already received many enquiries for its use."

Williton Parish Council chairman Tony Perrett confirmed an official opening would take place in the New Year, as while the majority of facilities were now in use, the contractors were still carrying out 'snagging' and putting in the final touches.

The new Pavilion was made possible through a £947,000 grant from the Big Lottery, with more than £250,000 supplied by the EDF CIM fund as well as several other contributors.

Located in the heart of the community, the new Pavilion has been designed to be multifunctional, catering for sports, leisure and social activities.

The main area can hold up to 200 people and there are hopes many activities can take place such as badminton, indoor football, coffee mornings, film screenings, public meetings and photography clubs.

There will also be a kitchen, public toilets and baby-changing facilities.

The latest round of EDF CIM funding also saw a big boost for plans to improve Watchet Bowls Club to the tune of £150,000, taking the total amount of EDF CIM funding handed out to £1.4m.

David Eccles, Hinkley C head of stakeholder engagement, said: “It’s great to see so many brilliant local projects launch thanks to the Hinkley C community fund.

"It’s our aim to fund projects that will provide a long lasting positive effect, and be a true legacy for the community.”