WORK to create a flagship world-class facility for West Somerset teenagers - the Minehead EYE project - will get underway within weeks.

Leaders behind the development won the promise of the release of just over £239,000 from West Somerset Council on Wednesday night - despite the authority's current financial difficulties - helping to trigger a massive £3.2 million of Government funding.

And a decade after the concept of the desperately needed youth centre was born, Minehead EYE spokeswoman Naomi Griffith said organisers were now "raring to go".

She told the council's cabinet that work was expected to start on site - on Somerset County Council-owned land close to Minehead Station - at the end of April.

The finished project, boasting a two-storey skate and BMX park, cafe, shop and computer area, recording studio and DJ booth, multi-media suite with rehearsal space and an exhibition area with an art-graffiti wall, should be open just a year later.

The district council is a partner in the scheme, along with the county council and the West Somerset-based play and learning organisation CLOWNS, which will have its base in the new complex.

Having already given the project £6,400 to cover the planning application costs, the district authority has now agreed to hand over the remainder of a total £250,000 promised package of funding.

Councillors were told at Wednesday's meeting that the contribution had been dependent on the authority receiving an equivalent level of capital receipts from the sale of Minehead's Vulcan Road car park.

But finance officer Jackie Barnes said it was now likely that the funds would be needed ahead of that sale, which has yet to be finalised.

The cash will probably be paid in instalments during the construction phase of Minehead EYE.

But Mrs Barnes warned: "Whilst it will be possible for the council to pay over these funds in advance of the capital receipt by extending borrowing if necessary, members must be clear that there is a risk to this approach should the sale of Vulcan Road run into problems."

However, councillors could scarcely contain their admiration for the dedication and achievements of the Minehead EYE team.

Cllr Kate Kravis said she was thrilled to bits and praised the project leaders for their years of hard work, drive and determination.

"You were the young people when this first began," she said.

"What a joy to see that something like this will be happening in Minehead. There has been so much doom and gloom and it has been a very difficult time for the district council.

"But to see something for young people is wonderful - there are some great young people out there and they deserve this.

"The fact that you have levered in £3.2m of funding is fantastic."

Deputy leader and economic development portfolio holder Cllr Michael Downes echoed Cllr Kravis' comments.

"It is a great achievement to have got to this point and to have brought this facility to Minehead - I know how hard it has been," he said.

Cllr Downes said a recent county-wide survey had put activities for teenagers as a top priority.

"To think that we are able to deliver this, even with all the problems that West Somerset has had, is marvellous."

Finance portfolio holder Cllr Doug Ross described the achievement as "amazing" and said he was very happy that the council had been able to honour its contribution despite all the pressures on its budget.

And council leader Cllr Keith Ross described the project as a fantastic investment for West Somerset.

Minehead EYE is one of just 21 projects in England to be awarded funding from the Government's myplace programme, which aims to create safe places for young people where they can get involved in a wide range of activities, as well as getting information and advice from people they trust.

It is funded by the Department for Children, School and Families but delivered by the Big Lottery Fund.

Ms Griffiths told councillors that Minehead EYE was now a Community Interest Company, a not-for-profit organisation that would aim to be self-financing.

She said the centre would have an estimated £130,000 annual turnover with income from admissions, membership fees, the cafe and shop and private hire.

During the day it would be available to other organisations and groups, hopefully bringing the community together.

Ms Griffiths said the project team had a wealth of experience - she used to run the Tropiquaria animal and adventure park at Washford Cross - and had drawn up a careful business plan which was conservative in its prediction of income.

"More than anything we have bundles of enthusiasm and we are raring to go," she said.

Project leaders are staging a consultation and information day on April 22 at the West Somerset Community College, where young people, representatives of more than 70 organisations and the public will have the chance to learn more about the development.