New toilet block to be built- Donations welcome

Published: 12/03/2020

Dear Members & Friends

Can you help the Centre fund the replacement toilet block that is sorely required to replace a facility that is well past its sell by date and, as many of you will know, is reached by stairs, difficult for many and impossible for some.

The Centre also lacks a dedicated disabled toilet at present and we have to hire one in when required.

The new block doubles or more the existing arrangements whilst adding a store and disabled toilet which will be fully accessible to all and will be situated adjacent to the Water Tower.

Where have we reached so far?

The Centre is most grateful to Jim Milton who has completed the drawings free of charge and Planning Permission has been granted by South Somerset Council.

Network Rail (as our landlord) have also consented.

Detailed plans for Building Control purposes are approved. Subject to finance, building work can be started in the Autumn 2022.

What happens next?

A nucleus of volunteers with the necessary skills has offered to help as the costs will be kept as low as possible. It is estimated that the cost of materials alone will be in the region of £25,000 before adding in other charges (Planning Permission, Disabled equipment and some professional help where absolutely necessary etc).

The Trustees will ring fence your donation so that it can only be used for the purpose intended. In the event that the project cannot proceed for any reason we will write and offer various options

(including the return of your donation). Should the Appeal be over-subscribed we would propose to use any surplus towards our general expenses or another project unless you indicate otherwise when replying.

Finally

Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and appreciate that you will receive many calls on your money.

If you are able to support this worthy cause, which will greatly improve the visitor experience, the Volunteers and Trustees will be most grateful and can begin the hard work!