The Midsomer Norton Town Trust have announced this week that they have won significant Central Government funding to the tune of £70,000 from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). This will be used to fund the preparation of detailed architect's plans and designs to take the Town Hall's transformation project forward, up to and including submission of planning and listed building applications to B&NES.

The grant application was made possible earlier in the year with funding from Cllr Chris Watts' B&NES Ward Cllr Initiative Fund, which covered the costs of the architect, Sean Redmond, of PH3 Design. Sean worked closely with the Town Trust and the Community Trust to put together the funding application.

"The £70,000 marks a significant milestone in the Town Trust's aspiration to create a fantastic community space for the 21st century at the heart of Midsomer Norton. In addition to refurbishing and restoring the existing Town Hall to its former glory, the project will update the facilities on all levels, from creating a new downstairs hall, to updating the heating system and wiring," said Clive Stilwell, Secretary to the Town Trust Managing Committee.

In the coming months, the Town Trust will be consulting with local people, using the architect's model created by PH3 Design in order to get their views on the developing designs and shape the development of the building.The intention is to submit a planning application in the New Year and, provided consent is given, be in a position to approach other organisations for funding through 2015.