MINEHEAD Town Council is spending more than £400,000 – over half its reserves – on repairs to the town hall after a shocking string of faults was found.

An architectural report by Robert Flatt, of JLL real estate services, has identified issues at The Market House needing significant repair and maintenance, including timber decay in the roof, the clock tower and the stonework overlooking The Parade.

It was also noted that the building “did not benefit from a fire alarm”.

The planned work will cost £407,223 over the next ten years.

Domestic cleaning and routine maintenance were not included in the programme, and the inspectors did not look at underground drainage.

Council leader Leslie Smith said the town council reserves are estimated at £600,000.

The work recommended by the inspector predicts that between 2019 and 2023 the council will still be paying £138,456 towards the costs of maintenance outlined in the report.

“The building hasn’t been properly maintained,” said Cllr Smith.

“The town hall has many problems and it has been recommended some of the work is started immediately.”

The Market House, built in 1902, is Grade II listed with restrictions on changes which can be made to it.

The external stonework overlooking The Parade is a “primary concern” as the inspection revealed it showed signs of “instability”.

Cllr Smith said: “It has been suggested that the town hall might be relocated to the old hospital building, but it hasn’t been given too much consideration, and you become quite attached to a building.”

The old hospital in The Avenue is also Grade II listed and the Minehead Development Trust hopes to turn it into a community hub.

Stephen Hooper, manager of Minehead Vision, the community group which is part of the Minehead Development Trust charity, said: “This investment is a matter for the town council to make on behalf of the communities they represent.

“A long-term option is for the town hall to be moved into the old hospital building as it’s structurally sound.”