DEMOLITION work has started of a historic hotel that has been empty for 15 years.

Cox's Mill Hotel, in Cheddar, is coming down to make way for a public open space and parking.

Longleat Estates Ltd won permission to knock down the hotel at The Cliffs in 2020.

The next stage of the development will see improvements to the water course and the creation of a water feature.

The public square will then be extended and a waterwheel and Archimedes screw will be installed with the potential to generate hydroelectric power from Cheddar Rising.

The final part of the scheme will be to build a visitor centre next to the public square, including possible tourist accommodation and activity spaces.

The building on the site of a former mill dates from the mid-19th century.

But it had fallen into disrepair in recent years and had become "beyond economical repair".

Simon Townsend, Cheddar Gorge and Caves' operations manager, told a public meeting in 2019 the premises was "an eyesore" and was becoming unsafe.

He said: "We don't want it to become so unsafe it is causing a hazard to anyone and we want to be able to take it down in a way which is easier for the community.

"We hope the changes will enhance the lower gorge, the views and the area around Cox's Cave and the Queen's Row shops and make it a much nicer space for our visitors and local people."