CIVIC leaders have challenged the findings of a report which this week ranked Minehead as one of the worst holiday resorts in Britain.

The town came tenth from bottom in a Which survey of 100 resorts which asked 3,000 people to rate the beaches, accommodation, scenery and value for money of holiday venues.

Minehead was given a one-out-of-five star rating for its beach – worse than Burnham-on-Sea and Weston-super Mare – and two stars each for its seafront, shopping, food and drink, peace and quiet, entertainment and value for money.

Attractions and scenery were awarded three stars and accommodation four.

Overall, 56 per cent of those surveyed said they would recommend it as a holiday destination, against Weston’s 53 per cent and Burnham’s 49.

Top of the survey was the Northumberland village of Bamburgh with 89 per cent and bottom was Bognor Regis with 47 per cent.

Minehead mayor Cllr Sandra Slade questioned the feasibility of the study and said she was “amazed” by the low ratings for scenery, peace and quiet and value for money.

She claimed the survey had failed to take into account everything Minehead had to offer.

Cllr Slade was joined by local MP Ian Liddell-Grainger and Minehead BID chairman Graham Sizer in believing that the report was unfair to the town and had failed to take into account its setting amid stunning scenery.

For the full report, buy today’s Free Press (June 14).