THE first deadline has been set for community groups wanting to take over the running of Weymouth Pavilion.

Groups have from now until May 31 to submit tenders for the leasing of the Weymouth Pavilion from Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

Not-for-profit organisations are invited to submit proposals to lease the building.

Council property services manager Tegwyn Jones said: “Members have asked that our tendering process proceeds quickly so that the Weymouth Pavilion complex remains closed for as short a time as possible.

“Groups wanting to put a tender together need to contact the council’s property services team as soon as possible and a CD will be sent to them with the details of what they need to do to submit the tender.

“We will also do all we can to answer any questions they may have.”

An advert for the opportunity is available on the council’s website at dorsetforyou.com/weymouthpavilionproposal

A CD of tender instructions is also available from the council’s property services team by calling 01305 838268.