THE future management of Watchet's youth centre building will be in the hands of local civic leaders under a new deal agreed this week.

Watchet Town Council is setting up a special committee to oversee the running of the facility, taking over from a volunteer management committee that has been at the helm for more than a decade.

The move follows a council-led review of the operation of the building, which included looking at options for its future amid concerns about its condition.

Cllr Peter Murphy told the council's monthly meeting on Monday that a survey had revealed that some insulation work could be carried out on the windows and ceiling, which would have a quick payback in terms of lower heating bills.

Cllr Murphy said this could be achieved for between £1,000 and £2,000 and the interim management committee - of which he is a member - was keen to to see the work carried out before the winter weather set in.

Councillors agreed the work could be funded from a £20,000 pot of cash earmarked from the council's reserves for further improvements, the remainder of which would only be spent if the building is judged to have a sustainable long term future.

Cllr Murphy said an agreement with Minehead EYE to provide youth club services had now been put in the council's name so that VAT charged on invoices could be reclaimed.

"It is desirable that the council takes over all expenses for the building since VAT can be reclaimed on all expenditure which delivers best value for the people of Watchet," he said.

Cllr Murphy said the interim management committee was only ever intended to be an interim solution, enabling the council to manage the building directly rather than sharing responsibility with the former management committee.

"It is felt that the time is now right to place the management on a firmer footing and bed it into the council's normal operating procedures.

The newly formed youth and community centre committee will meet monthly and have a separate bank account.

Earlier this year the council secured a Somerset County Council grant to help support the youth club until October next year, topped up by £5,000 from the town authority's reserves.

Cllr Murphy said the £20,000 earmarked for any capital work to the building was a "once and for all allocation".

Cllr Sally de Renzy-Martin, chairman of the former volunteer-run management committee, said she wanted to pay tribute to the work carried out by its members.

"I think it's commendable that this group of people has kept it going for this length of time," she said.

But she warned that having the building run by a council committee could be a challenge.

"I can't see anyone going to rush down and open up the building for a kids' party - as councillors we don't do that sort of thing but as a management committee, we did.

"I just want everyone to be aware of the day to day practicalities."

But council clerk Sarah Reed said it would be possible to co-opt volunteers onto the committee, who may be able to continue to fulfill that type of commitment.