Company to leave town centre site

Boden Mill will be the focus of a new shopping development

A south Somerset firm's relocation will free up a building that will form a key part of a new town centre in Chard.

Air movement specialist ACI has secured new premises on an industrial estate in nearby Axminster.

The move means ACI will leave Grade II listed Boden Mill, making way for a new shopping centre, restaurants and smaller businesses.

"The new site has plenty of scope for future growth," said Paul Tiffin managing director of ACI.

South Somerset District Council member Kim Turner said major plans were under way to revamp the centre of Chard.

"The relocation of ACI is one of the key steps needed in order to regenerate this prime site," she said.