WEST Somerset residents will have a chance to have their say on Minehead's proposed New Horizons 'healthplex' scheme at a public meeting at the West Somerset Community College on Wednesday. The New Horizons Steering Group - a partnership between Somerset County Council, West Somerset Council, Somerset Primary Care Trust and the community college - has arranged the meeting to show residents detailed plans for the Seaward Way site and to ask what leisure facilities they would like to see included. Under the proposals, the scheme will include a leisure centre, skills and enterprise centre and a new community hospital. The information evening will include "full graphic displays" of the proposals, and steering group members will be on hand to find out exactly which facilities people want included in the leisure centre. Residents are being encouraged to show their support for the venture by taking part in the event, which takes place from 5pm to 7.30pm. Cllr Paul Buchanan, Somerset County Council's portfolio holder for economic development, said: "Engaging the public is an absolute priority for the council with regards to this project. "Demonstrable public support will have a very positive effect on gaining future funding streams, so I hope many people turn out to have their say and influence the future of the Seaward Way site." Minehead county Cllr Ian Galloway said the meeting would be an opportunity for people to learn more about "the exciting development". He said: "It will give local people a chance to have their say, which is absolutely vital to this project. "We need to have facilities that meet the requirements of local people." Nick Swann, principal of West Somerset Community College, said: "Local people, including college staff, have worked for years to secure this groundbreaking project. "Close community involvement will continue to be essential to its success." A planning application for the scheme has already been submitted to West Somerset Council and includes plans for a 25 metre swimming pool within the leisure centre. The community hospital would have 20 in-patient beds, diagnostics facilities, a minor injuries unit and an ambulance station, together with dental facilities, a day surgery and a patient support centre. Cllr Christine Lawrence, leader of West Somerset Council, said: "This ambitious project is all about positive partnerships. "It will demonstrate the power of effective partnership working between organisations coupled with the positive partnership forged with local people interested in securing first-class health, learning and leisure facilities for the residents of West Somerset. "We actively encourage everyone to attend this meeting because it is their opportunity to see what we are offering and their chance to influence this development to ensure that it meets the needs of the whole community."