Conservative-controlled West Somerset council have given the greenlight to funding that will help put Minehead on the map – by means of a Heritage Trail. The Full Council agreed on Wednesday evening (October 22) to release just over £48,000 towards the creation of a Heritage Trail in the town that will create a link between the Morrisons store and the town centre.
The money is from the supermarket’s contributions paid to the council to mitigate the potential effects of the development.
Morrisons committed £150,000 in total in the agreement and so far £67,537 has been spent on a variety of initiatives to boost Minehead, including the shop local scheme, public realm improvements and arts markets.
The allocation to the Heritage Trail will leave some £34,000 still in the pot for town centre enhancements.
The Heritage Trail has been worked up by Minehead Vision manager Steven Hooper and extensive consultation with a wide range of groups has taken place to make sure the proposal has support.
The trail will encourage people to explore Minehead, leading shoppers from the supermarket via a specially created archway where they will be able to use high tech ways to find out more about the resort, its history and attractions through smartphone apps.
Touch-screen information kiosks will be installed inside Minehead Information Centre (MIC) and in the centre’s window – clever technology means it’s still usable behind protective glass.
A wi-fi hub will be created covering the area around the West Somerset Railway station concourse and there will be information boards and printed material for those who prefer the traditional rather than digital access.
A pilot project lighting up key trees in The Avenue, funded by Minehead Town Council and the Chamber of Trade will also get under way – and people will be encouraged to feed back their opinions on the lights. If popular the scheme could be extended.
Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Kate Kravis, said: “This is great for Minehead and something really positive.”
Cllr Mandy Chilcott, a Minehead central ward councillor and member of the Vision Group, added: “I am delighted this project has come before the council. It is really important to increase the footfall between Morrisons and the town to get people to visit our local shops and businesses. Minehead has so much to offer and we need to encourage visitors to take some time to have a good look around the whole of Minehead.”