Week in Weston: Huge Expansion Predicted

It's predicted that in 10 years Weston-super-Mare in North Somerset will be bigger than Bath and will stretch all the way to the M5.

Children at Haywood Village Academy are some of most privileged children in any school.

That's because there are only 3 classes in an entire school building.

The rest of the building, for now, lies empty, awaiting new arrivals as demand for places grow.

Next month, 100 families will join a new nursery at the school.

It's a sign, many in Weston argue, that after years of neglect and decline, Weston-super-Mare is enjoying a change of fortune.

Once the town's Mayor and council leader, few know the town as well as John Crockford-Hawley.

He says there's a confidence in the town not felt for a century.

Weston College is now one of the area's biggest employers with half a dozen sites across Weston-super-Mare.

Where the Beatles once played, hundreds of students will now study degree-level courses at the Winter Gardens.

After being bought for a pound, Weston College's newest site will open next month after an £11 million investment.

High property prices are forcing many away from places like Bristol to fill new homes in Weston-super-Mare.

While many still commute away from Weston for their work, an enterprise zone off Junction 21 of the M5 is creating thousands of jobs.

The long-awaited £45 million redevelopment of a shopping centre to the south of the town centre will house an eight-screen cinema, restaurants and, eventually, housing.

As if to embrace the revival around it, the town's museum will this month reopen after its own two-year refurbishment.

The Visitor Manager says as well as reflecting on its proud past, the attraction will celebrate a new beginning.

When money became tight, the museum was threatened with permanent closure.

It took the people of Weston to save it and give it new life.

Watch our Correspondent Richard Payne's full report on Weston-super-Mare below: