DORSET County Council is hoping to give social care services in Bridport "back some dignity" as plans move forward for a new hub.

The county council is preparing plans for the Bridport Connect hub at the Fisherman's Arms site in South Street, which will include community facilities and a new home for Oh Crumbs community café, currently in West Allington at Plottingham.

In 2015, the county council pledged to invest £4.7m to support the delivery of social care services in Bridport, including day services, care for older people and support for people to stay health and independent in the community for as long as possible.

Cllr Ros Kayes, said: "This site holds huge potential for the town and I understand that DCC is keeping to its commitment of investing more than £4 million in it.

"We are hoping it will be a cutting edge design - something really unique in Bridport's environment. We are hoping to make the community café a very welcoming space with an outdoor terrace as well as an indoor café.

"Adjacent to the site, the intention is that a new Sidney Gale house will be built which has space for dementia beds and larger rooms which will enable hoists and better accessibility to treat more disabled people."

She added: "It's a pity that the complexities of land ownership and rights of way and covenants has led to the detailed proposals taking so long and I'm really glad that they have confirmed that the funds are still available. ?

"We should end up with something really special to help those groups that are in most need of care and support in Bridport."

Kelvin Bland, architect for Dorset County Council, outlined the initial proposals to members of Bridport Town Council.

He said: "We are looking at development of the site and a building that will be run by Tricuro and we are hoping to give it back some dignity.

"It's at a very early stage at the moment. The plans have been looked at but they may not be the right size and may move around a little bit. There will be changes but these are the first draft solutions."

A county council board meeting, which was scheduled to take place on Monday has been postponed until March 6.

Jill Haynes, county council cabinet member for adult health, care, and independence, said: “I understand that this is a very important project for Bridport and we will keep all parties updated as soon as there is further information.”