AN ambitious scheme involving a new state-of-the-art clubhouse for Minehead Football Club, with community facilities, plus modern floodlights for evening football fixtures, has taken a major step towards reality with full planning permission being granted by West Somerset Council.

Minehead Town Council is now the process of applying for external funding for the project on Minehead Recreation Ground. If successful, the new building could be completed in the summer of 2019.

It will replace the current structure which will be demolished .

The new building will incorporate changing rooms, showers, kitchen, bar and social area and community hall with sprung floor for exercise classes or dances.

All facilities will be fully accessible for disabled users. It is planned to let the hall during weekday daytimes and evenings, with the football club using it at weekends and club training evenings or floodlit matches.

LED floodlights will enable Minehead Football Club to play more midweek matches but the club would also be pleased to host any local club who would like to play occasional midweek fixtures.