DIGGERS moved on to the Old Hospital site in Minehead this week – to promote a meeting outlining grand plans for the future of the historic building.

An update on proposals for the site will be given at a public meeting in Minehead’s Beach Hotel next Wednesday, October 21, starting at 7.30pm.

Friends William Howard and Bob Jones bought the hospital for £350,000 back in March and have been in talks with local community group the Minehead Development Trust since.

The trust has been working on its own plans for the hospital building for more than six years, negotiating with former owners at the NHS, speaking to planners and consulting with local people.

Originally, the group wanted to use the hospital as a community hub, offering meetings rooms, gallery space and even a museum and library.

However, although supporters secured around £30,000 in public pledges to buy the building before it was sold in March they failed to attract the substantial grant aid needed to preserve the iconic building.

But a spokesman for the trust said fruitful talks had been held with the hospital’s new owners over the past few months and the group had been given the green light to press on.

They will by joined by hospital owners William and Bob when they outline their plans for the future at next Wednesday’s meeting.

The bar will be open and free coffee will be available from 7pm for those wanting to look at the displays and chat with the trustees, the owners and wider members of the group.

Organisers have asked anyone who is interested in attending to register beforehand by phoning 01643 702624 between 11.30am and 3pm or email [email protected].

Chris Sanders is pictured on a digger at the Old Hospital in Minehead.

Photo: Paul Scullion