WATCHET Boat Museum has set sail for a brighter future after a bid to hand the 19th century building to a local community group won unanimous support.

West Somerset Council's decision to transfer the freehold of the museum and the surrounding land to the Onion Collective for a peppercorn £1 is expected to unlock the funding needed to deliver a £365,000 revamp that would see it extended, upgraded and providing a new base for Watchet Town Council and new visitor centre.

And at their last full council meeting before the May 7 election on Wednesday, councillors gave their total backing to the project.

Onion Collective director Naomi Griffith said it was clear how important the building was for Watchet and described it as a "wonderful little visitor attraction that delights and intrigues".

She added: "The boat museum is a hidden gem supported by an amazing group of dedicated volunteers who have kept it going despite the cold and lack of toilets.

"This project gives recognition to their hard work in keeping the museum going for Watchet and takes it on to the next stage of its journey.

"The transfer of this site will enable so many things to move forward and change for the better in Watchet."

Ms Griffith said the planned enhancements would bring light and life into the museum while maintaining its special vibe.

Councillors also paid tribute to the work of the volunteers who had kept the museum running.

But Cllr Kate Kravis said the transfer of the council asset would provide the opportunity to create something very special: "There is no downside to this – it is an absolutely brilliant project."

Local ward member Cllr Peter Murphy praised the council's vision in working in partnership with other authorities and organisations to "make things happen".

"Given that we can't bring this asset up to standard ourselves, this is a no-brainer," he said.

Cllr Dave Westcott, who also represents the town on the district authority, said the museum was at the entrance to the town and the planned revamp would make the building shine.

And third local ward member Cllr Tony Knight said of all the potential schemes being proposed for Watchet, this was the most achievable.