AMBITIOUS schemes that could result in a seafront fairground, an outdoor skate park and a return of the Red Arrows aerobatics team, won overwhelming support at the first annual meeting of the Minehead Community Group on Monday.

The group, which was formed a year ago and now has over 3,000 active online members, pledged to work with Minehead Town Council and other organisations to improve community relations and make Minehead more prosperous and vibrant.

Over 50 members and residents backed the Minehead Rail Group’s plans for an eventual Taunton link and pressed for restrictive covenants to be lifted on Wellington Square and other areas of the town.

There was a call for ratepayers to stand as independent councillors in next May’s town council elections in a drive to remove politics from local government.

Group founder Beresford Mandley said the aim was for all seats on Minehead Town Council eventually to be held by independent councillors.

The meeting’s chairman, Michael Burke, added that in May all 16 seats on the council “would be up for grabs” and the community group would support anyone standing as an independent.

“People with specialist or expert knowledge on a variety of subjects will be especially valuable but we urge anyone who has Minehead at heart to put their names forward.”

Katrina Midgley, chairman of Minehead’s Coastal Communities team, gave a rundown of recent tourist activities including the successful harbour market – part of a campaign to encourage more visitors to that part of the town – and ten guided walks for tourists.

Graham Sizer, chairman of the recently formed Minehead BID organisation, reported that funds of £60,000 were already available for town improvements, with another £30,000 due shortly.

BID had contributed £6,000 for this year’s Christmas festivities and earmarked £20,000 for next year’s tourist events. Talks will begin next week on the possibility of reviving the annual raft race.

A total of £20,000 had also been allocated for improvements to the town, including 60 more hanging baskets, and more public seating.

Mr Sizer added: “I think the town has a good future if we roll up our sleeves and work together.”

Full report in today’s Free Press.