Barn to become community centre

The barn will become a village hall and community centre

A tithe barn in the village of Dunster, in Somerset is being restored for use as a village hall and community centre.

The building dates back to the late 15th or early 16th Century and was once part of a Benedictine priory.

Money from Defra's Rural Enterprise Scheme (RES) will be used to insulate its vast roof, which involves removing and refitting it slate by slate.

The barn will also get new flooring, and windows, plus toilet and kitchen facilities.

It is great to finally see our plans taking shape. Graham Lamacraft, Project coordinator

Once completed, it will provide a community hall and a separate wing for exhibitions, meetings and a youth club.

Project coordinator Graham Lamacraft said: "It is great to finally see our plans taking shape.

"This barn has been a prominent building in the village for hundreds of years and it seems the perfect place for residents to congregate for the village events."

Work begins next week and the project should be completed by the end of the year.