A NEW bar, an extension and revamped facilities are all part of a �250,000 refurbishment plan for a community building in a North Somerset village.

Yatton Parish Council has agreed to move forward with the overhaul of the Hangstones Pavilion and a blueprint is ready to be submitted to North Somerset Council.

The plans include installing a bar, fitting a new roof, updating the changing rooms, extending the width of the hall by five metres and a new kitchen.

Parish council clerk, Crispin Taylor, said: “We have been thinking about what to do with this building for many years.

“We had several consultations with the public about what to do with the pavilion and there was not a lot of support for knocking it down and creating a sports complex.

“So we pulled back on those plans and looked at what we could do to the building to make it more attractive and enhance its use.”

The parish council sold a cottage it owned in the village and the money from the sale will be used to fund the revamp.The bar at the Stowey Road site will be run by Yatton Athletic and Football Club which will have its own keys for the venue and will be responsible for all stock.

Crispin added: “The club wants it for a couple of drinks after games but the parish council can look at hiring it out for small private functions such as charity fundraisers.

“Many things are still subject to discussions but we look forward to working with the club.”

There were some concerns from residents about having a bar at the pavilion due to fears of late night noise, but Crispin said he does not anticipate such things as 18th and 21st birthday parties there.

Plans are due to be submitted to the unitary authority shortly.