SERIOUS engineering problems could scupper dream plans for West Somerset District Council's new showcase offices in Minehead.

Difficulties associated with ground water, underlying soft blue clay and existing services have pushed estimated costs of the proposed new offices 'through the roof'.

The costs of development at Minehead's Market car park site are reported to have nearly doubled, from an initial £3.4 million to £6 million.

For the full story, see the West Somerset edition of this week's (April 16) Somerset County Gazette.