AN ambitious project to transform an overgrown derelict site in Watchet into a public garden and arts space got off the starting blocks this week.

The newly formed Watchet Arts Group is behind the plans for the town's Mineral Yard as part of a major regeneration scheme in conjunction with West Somerset Council and Watchet Town Council.

The scheme, expected to cost around £60,000, will see a garden and seating area created as part of a larger initiative to bring art to Watchet's 'West End'.

Working closely with the district council, which owns the site, the arts group plans to use the old sea wall facing onto the Mineral Yard car park as a canvas for a giant mural.

This will tell the story of Watchet and its people from Anglo-Saxon times through the Industrial Revolution to the present day.

The other section of the sea wall facing the new garden will form the Seascape Gallery and will be used to display contemporary art works by local artists.

Two sections of the wall will be specifically for street art by young people, with the contributions changing monthly.

And the open space between the garden and the wall will form a performance and exhibition area for music, art exhibitions and community activities.

Arts group member Ben Allen, who is leading the site clearance with a group of volunteers, said: "We have been working over the past couple of weeks to clear the area ready for work in the spring.

"On a summer's day this area is a natural sun trap, sheltered from the wind by the sea wall - it will make a lovely garden."

The arts group is a community organisation with representatives from the district council, town council, Watchet Conservation Society, local artists and businesses and a cross-section of local people.

The cost of the project will be met from a combination of National Lottery funding, council grants, donations and fundraising.

One of the ways the arts group plans to raise money is to create a giant mosaic showing the town's coast and countryside.

Residents and visitors will be able to buy tiles to decorate at £2 a time and everyone taking part will be entered into a raffle to win the latest Apple iPad.

Local schoolchildren will also have the chance to design their own tiles and see how they are glazed and fired.

The overall project is expected to take around 14 months to complete and organisers believe it will become a significant tourist attraction in its own right, as well as a focus for art works and exhibitions.

District councillor Dave Westcott, one of the project's champions, said it was an example of what the town's community could achieve.

"The development is another step that will help put Watchet on the map as a centre for the arts in West Somerset and showcase the excellent work being produced by local artists."