URGENT funding for a visitor information service in Minehead has been awarded at the second time of asking, but not all of it.

Town councillors on Tuesday (June 17) agreed to give a £4,000 grant to Minehead Coastal Development Trust (MCDT), which had been operating a visitor information service in the town’s Beach Hotel and online until lack of funds forced its closure earlier this year.

But they withheld a further £1,000 while they sought clarification on how the money would be spent.

Last month, councillors had paused the full £5,000 because of concerns over a lack of clarity on how MCDT would use the money and questions around how effective it would be so late in the current tourism season.

They were recommended on Tuesday to acknowledge ‘the urgent need for a reimagined, sustainable visitor information service’ and to allocate the money to support development and delivery of ‘an enhanced digital visitor information presence’.

Town clerk Ben Parker said: “This contribution would enable MCDT to expand their online offering, capitalising on existing expertise, infrastructure, and community networks to effectively promote Minehead as a vibrant, welcoming destination for both visitors and residents alike.”

Mr Parker said the council historically had supported and even directly operated local tourism services until in recent years the responsibility was taken on by MCDT, which had demonstrated ‘capability, local insight, and a long-term vision’ for tourism in Minehead.

He said: “Minehead’s local economy depends significantly on tourism.

“An effective visitor information service is not only vital to attracting and supporting tourists but also plays a valuable role for local residents.

“The former service regularly assisted locals in accessing information about community events, activities, and services.

“There is a clear consensus that a visitor information service remains essential.

“However, any future provision must reflect current tourism trends, particularly the increasing reliance on digital engagement.”

Mr Parker said it was recognised that existing infrastructure, experience, and community relationships should not be discarded but rather built upon to create a more modern and sustainable model.

He said: “Discussions to date have emphasised the importance of delivering a service that is both viable and aligned with evolving visitor expectations.

“A complete reinvention is not necessary, rather, a refreshed and realistic approach should be developed using the strong foundation already in place.”

Mr Parker said footfall to the visitor centre had been falling in recent years due to changing visitor habits, with more tourists looking online for information.

He said MCDT’s face-to-face operation had been primarily sustained by external grant funding and income from product sales, but the financial model had become unviable.

The sudden withdrawal of grant support then led to the closure of both the physical visitor information centre and its associated online functions.

Mr Parker said: “With the appropriate support, MCDT is well-positioned to re-establish a digital-first visitor information platform.

“Such a platform would offer year-round access to accurate and engaging content, event listings, local business promotion, and visitor guidance, fostering both economic activity and civic pride.”