WORK to transform the former Charmouth Tunnel into a rifle range is close to completion with the facility expected to open within two months.

Hundreds of thousands of pounds have been spent to turn the old road tunnel into a world-class shooting facility for national and community use.

The Target Sports Centre is due to open on time in April, in time to hopefully provide training facilities for the 2012 London Olympics.

Charmouth-based Clist Properties bought the tunnel in 2004 after it became redundant when the Charmouth bypass was built in 1991.

Owner Richard Clist said: “We always said it would be open for spring 2010 and we are currently on track to do so.

“We will have two official openings – one for the general public and one for those heavily involved with the tunnel.”

The centre will have two rifle ranges – one at 25 metres and the other at 50 metres – over two levels, enabling nine people to practice at a time.

It will also have a club café, a club shop including an armoury, training facilities with range safety officers, and an observation area for training and general viewing.

It will create around eight jobs initially, including four skilled range safety officers.

The range will be open to the local community and Mr Clist also hopes to attract Olympic competitors.

Mr Clist said: “We have had individuals who are Olympic hopefuls getting in touch to be able to use this as a training facility.”

Beginners over the age of 12 would also be able to give it a go with an instructor, providing it has Home Office approval, which is currently pending.

Mr Clist said: “There are a number of courses run through the South West by Dorset Police and the British Association for Shooting and Conservation for young people. We are certainly hoping to attract some of those courses here.”

Observation monitors all over the centre will show the action in the ranges, including for competitions which Mr Clist is planning on hosting.

The UK’s governing body for shooting has assisted in the design of the facility, and Disability Target Shooting Great Britain is also due to assess the facilities.

There have been some local concern about the noise impact and the danger of bringing guns into the area, but Mr Clist is confident those issues have been addressed.

He said: “We will not open if there are any noise issues. We will do any testing prior to opening to confirm the fact there is no issue outside the building.

“From a security point of view, all the arrangements have been done in conjunction with Dorset Police, who have a team to ensure safety provision has been put in place at the very highest level available.”

An annual membership will cost £68 and application packs are now available, although payment will not be taken until the opening date is confirmed. To request a pack call 01297 561006 or email info@thetunnel.co.uk Alternatively, individual sessions will be £7.50 for two half and hour slots.