WESTON locals are encouraged to have their say on the future of the town's old quarry.

The site closed last year after surveys identified serious structural issues with the buildings and associated health and safety risks.

The stone crushing plant was deemed structurally unsound and beyond repair, meaning that it had to go.

Speaking soon after the closure, Cllr Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council's executive member for culture and leisure, said: “Weston's Old Town Quarry is a significant asset in the town’s cultural offer. As such, we aim to do all we reasonably can to keep it available for current and future generations to enjoy.

"The demolition of the unsafe structure requires that the site is closed, and while that is happening, we’ll work with partners with the aim of securing a long-term future for this fantastic location.”

Weston Town Council hopes to complete an "extensive refurbishment" of the site and "sustain its legacy for generations to come."

A Weston Town Council spokesperson said: "As we move towards Weston Town Council taking over the lease of the Old Town Quarry site, we invite you to 'Quarry Conversations', Tuesday, June 18 from 7.00pm at Weston Museum.

"This event marks the start of a series of community engagement sessions. These sessions will allow residents to voice their ideas, aspirations or concerns for the Quarry. If you would like to attend, please email quarry@wsm-tc.gov.uk.

"Weston Town Council has been awarded a substantial grant from the Community Ownership Fund, reflecting confidence in our vision for the Quarry’s future.

"This funding will support the extensive refurbishment required to reopen the site to the public and sustain its legacy for generations to come.

"The renovation will see a flurry of activity, with major building and refurbishment work commencing in summer 2024.

"Among the highlights is the revamp of the café building, which is hoped to reopen in early summer 2025.

"We are committed to transforming the Old Town Quarry into a safe, accessible, and vibrant space that honours its rich natural and cultural heritage. We want the voice of the people of Weston-super-Mare to guide us."

Speaking further about the grant, Councillor John Crockford-Hawley, chair of Weston-super-Mare Town Council's Heritage, Arts and Culture Committee and now the new Mayor of Weston, said: “I would like to thank Weston-super-Mare Town Council officers for working so hard to obtain this grant.

"It is another superb example of a relatively small council achieving outstanding results.”