IT is full steam ahead on the vision for a new community hub in Bourton, after planning permission was approved.

Work is set to start onThursday, May 1 after plans to convert the listed part of the the redundant Moore Cottage Hospital into a new community centre and two flats was approved by Cotswold District Council on February 28.

As previously reported, Gloucestershire County Council bought the redundant hospital site last March which will be taken over by the parish council and converted it into a new parish council office, a library, police hub, a community cafe and activity area.

Speaking at Wednesday night's parish council meeting, Chairman Bryan Sumner said the tenants who would take over the first floor were still being decided.

"We have to decide what we go for, the original idea of two flats or perhaps offices which I think is the favourite option," he said. "The health suite is very positive and that's ongoing.

"Gloucestershire Constabulary, that's also positive and ongoing and the former operating suite we have a client for that also."

Members are hoping to raise £10,000 towards the project with an Abba tribute concert on August 30 and have allocated a £5,000 budget for it.

They also agreed to give the Moore Cottage Hospital community centre committee delegated powers to be able to spend up to £280,000 which the council has set aside for the project.

"We're now at a stage of doing a lot of actions and spending a fair amount of money and we can't keep coming back to this council meeting for approval for everything," said Cllr Sumner.

"The project is really taking off at quite a pace."

Meanwhile, the site of the old Erskine ward which was sold to the purchases of the adjacent Salmonsbury House, could be a new food store.

Plans for a new Midcounties Co-op food store and 100 car parking spaces are currently being considered by Cotswold District Council.