EXCITING plans which could help to attract millions of pound of Government funding to regenerate and revitalise Minehead were unveiled at an exhibition in the town last Friday.

The proposals, which touch on all aspects of life in the resort, will now be subject to public consultation before being finalised in the autumn.

They were presented by members of Minehead Coastal Town Initiative (CTI), which was formed early last year and has identified six key priority themes.

The plans include a civic, cultural and community centre, which would be the first of its kind in the country to include a multi-use theatre for lectures, concerts, cinema and dance.

Support is also proposed for the Regal Theatre to be developed to its full potential.

The group has also taken on board long-standing ideas for a deep water jetty to accommodate a foot passenger ferry to operate in the Bristol Channel.

And it is pressing for a link of the West Somerset Railway line from Minehead with the main rail network in Taunton.

Other suggestions include a seafront located state-of-the-art visitor centre with interactive attractions, a regular farmers' market to promote local produce and an all-weather skate park for youngsters.

Minehead CTI also recognised the need to support complimentary initiatives, including an integration of health care and leisure facilities for teenagers through the Vennlands Road Project and the provision of high quality childcare through the Sure Start scheme's £580,000 Alcombe building, which was due to open in 2004.

Another theme to be pursued was community safety, which would mean pushing for an enhanced CCTV system, tackling vandalism and abuse in Blenheim Gardens, building crime reduction features into the environment and scrutinising local policing initiatives.

The importance of lifelong learning was emphasised, as more than 30 per cent of the population was retired.

The provision of affordable and accessible adult education with concessionary fees for the retired would be welcomed.

The exhibition launch was designed to promote discussion within the town by residents, businesses, and councillors.

Minehead CTI consultant, Neil Spencer, of Sustainable Futures, said Minehead was one of nine pilot towns in the South West which had been selected by the Government to take part in its Market and Coastal Towns programme.

Mr Spencer said: "Being one of the pilot projects means we are near the front of the queue for funding.

"We have to build a network of skills and effective partnerships around that funding.

"The people behind these funds need to be absolutely sure that what is being done is what the community wants and is something that will benefit the community."

He added: "It is not just about fancy consultants coming in and writing reports, it is about actively engaging local people in the future of their town.

"It is only when we put local people's knowledge and expertise together with professional expertise that we can make this a success."

Mr Spencer said the first round of funding negotiations would take place in September.

Residents who would like to make comments about the plans should telephone or fax Fred Barnes on 01643 706961, e-mail him at [email protected]">[email protected], or write to him at: Oreland, The Parks, Minehead TA24 8DD.