The renovations and building work at Midsomer Norton Town Hall continues to be delayed by drainage issues and water getting into the building.

The update was given at the latest Town Council meeting, with the Locum Clerk said that the problems were now being dealt with and the works " had got over a couple of months of challenge .. and hopefully the reports from now on will be more positive."

But Cllr Steve Plumley, who had gone in to see the work, said he thought there was no chance of people getting into the building to possibly move back in, for at least the next couple of months. The project was reportedly running behind schedule due to additional works needing to be added to the existing plans. to deal with water coming in and extra reinforcing steel beams. Councillors also heard that the external walls need to be underpinned, there is woodworm and the challenges of working in a Grade II listed building were "mighty."

Phase 1 of the Town Hall works started last September. The first phase is being overseen by Midsomer Norton Town Council with support from the B&NES Regeneration Team and will see the small offices and corridors at the ground floor of the Town Hall opened up to reinstate the original Victorian Market Hall and provide new facilities for the community.

The Phase 1 works also include repair and conservation works for the building and form part of the wider £2.2m High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) and High Street Renewal Programme. The HSHAZ will provide a new multi-use Market Square at the Island, improve shopfronts and signage along the High Street and enhance the public realm and Conservation Area within the town centre.

The next full progress update will be on June 5 when the architect will address the new council about how the project is progressing.

You can watch the meeting of Midsomer Norton Town Council HERE