A £1.75million redevelopment of redundant buildings on a brownfield site on Williton's Roughmoor Business Estate could start within a month following confirmation of European funding.

The news comes as a massive boost for the village, which is ranked within the top 15% of the most deprived wards in England, and could be a major contributor to plans to create more jobs offering above average wages in West Somerset.

Cllr Nick Messarra, responsible for economic development at West Somerset Council, said: "Securing this funding is great news for Williton and for all of West Somerset.

"We have already had a number of enquiries from businesses wishing to move to the area, as well as companies wishing to expand, or start up new businesses."

The 0.63 hectare Wrigleys site will create 1,765 square metres of workspace, split into 14 units to be let on a leasehold basis, ranging in size from 48 to 390 square metres.

Space will be provided for a meeting room and internet connections will also be built- in.

The council will be contributing £963,933, or 55% of the total £1,752,605 cost, with the European Regeneration Development Fund providing the extra £788,672, or 45% necessary to transform the site.

Cllr Eddie May, who represents Williton, said: "The site had become an eyesore and this is a fantastic opportunity to redevelop it."

Fellow ward member Cllr Hugh Davies added: "There is a definite need for workspace in the Williton area and we are working to ensure that businesses can come to, or expand, in our parish, to provide local people with much-needed employment."

The site is made up of buildings dating back to the 60s, with extensions from the 80s.

Buildings that can be upgraded will be refurbished to meet modern specifications, while others beyond economic repair will be replaced with smaller starter units.

Market town regeneration officer Pete Vallance said: "We have identified a need to improve the social, economic and environmental well-being of West Somerset, and with business start-up and expansion we can help realise the first two priorities but we are also helping achieve the third.

"As well as regenerating a brownfield site to modern standards of efficiency, we will also retain the existing landscape and enhance it to provide a habitat for wildlife."