AN appeal has been made for volunteers to come forward to help keep Blenheim Gardens as the floral jewel in Minehead's crown.

West Somerset Council is spearheading a drive to draft in volunteers to ensure the future of the popular park for generations to come.

Helpers are needed to carry out day-to-day maintenance of flower beds and to keep the park looking tidy and well cared for.

A number of volunteers have already come forward in response to a survey carried out by the council.

The authority wanted to get a better idea of people's views on the gardens and found most people liked them just they way they were.

In all, 173 people returned surveys to the council, with 89 per cent of respondents from Minehead or within ten miles of the gardens.

Some 66 per cent of surveys were completed by people aged 55 and over.

Many people described the park as a community facility, a place to meet friends, to walk or to sit and relax.

The gardens' café was popular as were the public conveniences, which recently reopened having been saved from permanent closure as a result of public pressure.

A spokesman for the district council said money had been found to carry out repairs to enable the toilets to reopen, but there was currently no money available to upgrade the facilities.

The bandstand and the events held in the park also proved popular, while the majority of comments were positive regarding the overall condition of the garden.

The central position, beautiful colours and peaceful, relaxing atmosphere were all commented on.

Angela Lamplough of the council said it was now important to ensure the gardens remained at the heart of Minehead.

"Looking to the future we did have a number of offers of help from people willing to get involved in the future of the park.

"We have begun the setting up of a team of volunteers who could help with the day-to-day maintenance of the flower beds and the lighter gardening tasks involved in keeping a formal park looking tidy and cared for," she said.

Anyone interested in helping to keep Blenheim Gardens in tip top condition can contact Gail Sloman at the district council on 01984 635208 or by emailing gksloman @westsomerset.gov.uk.