PLANS to build a new village hall in Wembdon took a big step closer as West Somerset Council Cabinet approved funding to go towards the £2million project.

Councillors have agreed to give £250,000 to the Wembdon Village Hall and Playing Fields Trust from a £3.5million collective pot given to West Somerset Council by French energy giant EDF Energy to mitigate against the disruption caused by building the proposed third nuclear power station at Hinkley Point.

Money for community projects has been made available to promote or improve the economic, social or environmental well-being of local people.

The funding application was passed unanimously by the cabinet at a meeting last week and now only requires the approval of the whole West Somerset Council on September 13.

Mike Solomon, who chairs the project team of the trust, said: “This is the last piece in the funding puzzle for this big project.

“I am absolutely delighted that we are getting these wonderful new facilities in Wembdon, it’s something we’ve wanted for a long time.

“We have the full support of the cabinet and have jumped two significant hurdles – all we need now is the rubber seal of approval from the council members.”

The project started in 2008 and involves building a village hall as well as a multi-sports field which will include a cricket pitch, football field and a running track.

Several large donations from Wembdon residents have given the project a financial boost.

Community support has to date helped generate over £35,000 through donations and initiatives like pub quizzes, a monthly village market and buy a brick campaign.