Work has begun on a new £1.15million joint community building and pre-school in St Neots.

On Friday (December 19), the start of construction was marked by a turf-cutting ceremony.

To be called Loves Farm House, the facility on Kester Way will be managed by residents and will have a large hall for social occasions, along with a meeting room, office and kitchen with a seating area. The pre-school will provide for up to 24 children.

The building scheme is a partnership between HDC and CCC, and St Neots Town Council is providing financial support to the community group. The main building work is set to start in January and should be completed by mid-summer.

District councillor Tom Sanderson, executive councillor for strategic economic development and legal, said: “It will make a big difference to Loves Farm, bringing a much-needed facility to the neighbourhood.”

Town, district, and county councillor Barry Chapman said: “I’m really pleased to see this pre-school facility included with the community building because when you have a new and vibrant community like this, you get more young people move in than the average area, and therefore need the pre-school provision.”

Ben Pitt, chairman of Loves Farm House, added: “Today is an important milestone. We’re thrilled at the prospect of such an elegant building, and look forward to making it the cornerstone of our community.”