WORK on Neyland's ambitious new athletic centre and community hub is scheduled to start this month.

The £1.5m development will see the town council and the town library rehomed on the site.

Work is expected to start in the next ten days, and will take around 18 months.

Local builders WJG Evans and Son of Haverfordwest are the principal contractor for the building of the hub.

The firm was also responsible for completing the changing room and gym facility in August 2014.

Pembrokeshire County Council's Cabinet confirmed in February that Neyland Library was to move the building.

The decision was supported by Neyland Town Council, following fears the library could otherwise be closed.

Said Neyland county councillor Paul Miller: "This is fantastic news for the Neyland community and means the threat of the library closing has now passed and we can be sure that our community will benefit from a brand new library which is secure in the long term.

"After many years of hard work we’re pleased to announce that following a competitive process we have appointed a contractor, and work can soon start on the site."

The first step in the operation will be the re-opening of the site entrance east of the Bowling Green.

This will serve as the main construction access to the site during the works.

The next stage will involve the relocation of the bowling clubs current cabins and storage containers (currently located to the north of the bowling green) to the east of the Green and the partial demolition of the existing athletic club.