A LONG awaited new care home in Williton came a step closer this week when the first turf was cut on the site of the development.

The scheme to replace the existing Croft House in the village will also deliver a new adult learning centre and a register office.

Croft House resident Phyllis Herniman was given the job of turning the spade and marking the start of work, which should be completed in less than a year.

The new 65-bed home will particularly cater for dementia sufferers.

The development was given the go ahead by West Somerset Council's planning committee more than a year ago but because the site - at The Bury - lies outside Williton's building line, the decision had to be rubber stamped by the Government Office for the South West.

Barrie Dale, chairman of Somerset Care, the not-for-profit company which owns Croft House, said the turf cutting ceremony marked an important development for both the care home and the people of Williton.

"We can now look forward to this new purpose-built home, offering superb facilities, being available in less than a year," said Mr Dale.

"It will be of great benefit to present and future generations of older people and their families."

Mr Dale said the development symbolised partnership working between Somerset Care and Somerset County Council, who will find the adult learning centre and the registry office.

The new adult learning centre will be larger than the one in use until the end of last month and will offer a range of courses from Spanish and painting to yoga and digital camera techniques.

Pictured from the left at this week's ceremony are county Cllr Christine Lawrence, retired Somerset Care manager Brenda Clare, Barrie Dale, Somerset Care chief executive Andrew Larpent, Phyllis Herniman, Croft House manager Diane Allen and care assistant Paul Allen.

Photo: Steve Guscott