WATCHET Bowling Club’s ambition to have state-of-the-art premises has moved closer thanks to a £50,500 grant from a leisure fund secured from the Hinkley Point C project.

The club plans to transform its facilities and provide a community venue for the area, and the money will go towards the first phase of the project to replace old garages with a new indoor bowling rink.

The rink will give the club the space for county-level competitions to be played and also make it possible for games to be played simultaneously rather than have to wait for the one rink to become available.

The club already has planning permission for the project and is hoping the community will also support the initiative through the newly-launched Somerset West Lottery.

The club is one of the local good causes which will benefit from the weekly draws.

The club began the quest to transform its premises four years ago and, after consulting the community, drew up plans to improve its own facilities and provide a community hub for educational, recreational, sporting and social activities for all age groups.

The initiative has three main strands:

n Replacement of garages with a new indoor double rink bowling green with associated facilities.

n Internal and external alterations to the existing clubhouse to provide a community venue able to accommodate 150 people.

n Erection of an extension to provide a gym.

The club is working in partnership with Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership and local providers and clubs.