Flanked by councillors, officers and contractors, Midsomer Norton Mayor, Cllr Lynda Robertson, ceremoniously handed over the keys to the Town Hall so work can begin on phase one of the project to transform the historic hall into a community building fit for the 21st century.

This initial phase relates to the reinstatement of the historic Market Hall on the ground floor and the provision of associated facilities required in order for the building to function properly ahead of the separate Phase 2 works.

This initial phase relates to the reinstatement of the historic Market Hall on the ground floor and the provision of associated facilities required in order for the building to function properly ahead of the separate Phase 2 works.

The refurbished Town Hall and reinstatement of a Market Square at the Island are seen as key components of the Town Council's High Street recovery plan.

Deputy Mayor, Cllr Gordon Mackay said: "You see the old pictures of Midsomer Norton before previous generations ripped up our railways, neglected and tore down our buildings and it seems such a shame. This is our chance to not only protect a historical asset, but make it useful and valuable for the community. I understand people's concerns because this is an ambitious project but we have to consider the income the Town Hall can generate while also providing a fabulous community space for the many groups who need it. There's so much talk about regenerating the High Street but this is actually happening and in combination with the reinstatement of a market square at the Island, it's going to make a real difference."

"When considering the cost of regeneration, we also have to look at what our alternative plans could be. Do we let the building fall further into disrepair, community groups are already being forced out. Before we owned the Town Hall, there was no point in us investing in it. But since the asset transfer, we have a community asset which we can invest in for the community."