Builders start on £1m hotel

Diggers were today starting work on building a £1 million hotel at a restaurant in Huntington.

Machines moved onto the site, off Cocksparrow Lane, over the weekend and were due to begin digging the first trench this morning.

The 21-bedroom hotel is being built at The Barns Bars and Restaurant and will include en-suite bedrooms and a suite for wedding couples. It is set to be completed by late 2007 and will create another 12 jobs at The Barns.

During the work, Huntington-based contractor Charmford Building Ltd will employ more than 60 workers.

Co-owner of The Barns Bars and Restaurant Alan Turner said: "Contractors and are ready to go.

"The accommodation will complement the existing bar, restaurant, function and conference facilities and further enhance its desirability as a wedding venue."