WORK has begun on the conversion of Chard’s former Working Men’s Club in Fore Street into housing.

The derelict landmark building has been empty for several years and is being converted into five affordable homes for local people.

Raglan Housing Association is delivering the houses in partnership with South Somerset District Council.

The project is being carried out under the Empty Homes Programme for which Raglan secured almost £2.5million from the Homes and Communities Agency this year.

The conversion of the three-storey building is due for completion next spring and will be made into one twobedroom and four one-bedroom affordable rental flats.

The front facade of the old building with its period features will remain unchanged.

Raglan Board deputy chairman Paull Robathan said: “Converting empty buildings like this one into much-needed affordable housing brings huge benefits to the community.

“It helps tackle the chronic shortage of affordable housing in an area where property is beyond most people’s reach.

“This type of housing also stimulates the local economy by bringing more people into the high street boosting local trade and commerce in the town and creating jobs.”

Cllr Angie Singleton, area west chair with strategic responsibility for market towns added: “This high profile, and architecturally attractive, building needs TLC.

“Now it will be put to best use – providing much needed, affordable living accommodation in the heart of the town – close to shops and services and, at the same time, keeping the important and pleasing characteristics of the building as part of Chard’s townscape.

Pictured: RAGLAN director Richard Stevenson, corporate strategic housing manager South Somerset District Council Colin McDonald, James Bradbury Raglan regional development manager, and Louise Field, acting development officer for South Somerset District Council.