LONG awaited improvements to a Minehead building that has been a hub for community services for decades will get underway later this month.

But the work to the West Somerset Advice Bureau base in Market House Lane will cause some disruption to drop-in services and limit access.

The revamp, which will include replacement of windows and improvements to the building's insulation, will take place from October 21 to November 1.

Bureau manager Georgie Reynolds said disruption would be kept to a minimum but there would be some days when there was no access to the building at all.

From October 21 to 25, telephone advice will be available on 01643 704624, or by email at [email protected]">[email protected].

However, there will be a number of alternative locations where face to face advice will be available.

These include the West Somerset Council Minehead Contact Centre in Summerland Road from Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm (closed 12.30 to 1.30pm.)

On October 22, people will be able to see advisors at the Exmoor Medical Centre in Dulverton from 10am to noon and in the Victory Hall, Stogursey from 10.30am to 12.30pm.

The following day, there will be a session in Williton doctors' surgery in Killick Way from 10am to noon.

And on October 24 sessions will be held in the Quaker Hall in Bancks Street, Minehead from 10.30am to 12.30pm and Watchet doctors' surgery in Swain Street from 10am to noon.

The Market House Lane base will be closed on October 28 and 29 but from October 30 to November 1 the bureau will again be offering telephone and email advice.

"We are very sorry for the disruption the building work is causing," said Ms Reynolds.

"But this will start to make the building much warmer for residents of West Somerset using the service, as well as our dedicated volunteers."

The bureau has secured grants totalling £18,500 from charitable foundations and trusts to help cover the cost of the improvements but fundraising continues.

"The building has always housed essential community services from the old fire station to a youth club and now the West Somerset Advice Bureau so we are pleased to keep it providing for the community of West Somerset."

Ms Reynolds said the plan was to invite local groups and organisations to help decorate the inside of the building in the near future.

"If anyone has DIY expertise, knowledge or even resources they would like to donate to the inside to help us add more interview rooms then we would be delighted if they got in touch."