WORK has started to transform part of the former Moore Cottage Hospital in Bourton into a community hub.

It is now full steam ahead with the project after plans to convert the listed part of the building into a new community centre and two flats was approved by Cotswold District Council on February 28.

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.

The new hub will also be the home of Gloucestershire County Council's care services for the North Cotswolds and will house some health related activities, which are still under negotiation.

Work is being carried out by contractors, Beard, under the management of the county council.

Speaking at last week's parish council meeting, chairman Bryan Sumner said they hoped to move into the building in early August.

"We have excellent contractors, I have every confidence we will be taking up some sort of residence in August," he said. "Builders are well and truly in the community centre."

A public meeting is being held on Monday, June 9 at 7pm in the Victoria Hall to update residents on progress.

"We will give a presentation of where we are," added Cllr Sumner. "We hopefully will be much further down the road on that."

An Abba Tribute Concert is being held on August 30 on the Cotswold School field to raise funds for the community centre.

Gates for the event, which includes a picnic, open at 6pm with the band playing at 7.30pm.

Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for children up to 16 and will go on sale on June 1 at the Bourton Newsagent, in the High Street, and the Visitor Information Centre.