THE sun shone as the new Energy Saving Centre in Minehead's Co-op car park was opened by West Somerset Council chairman Cllr Doug Ross last Saturday.

The centre has been set up in the former Traveline office by members of the Transition Minehead and Alcombe (TMA) group.

Cllr Ross said the centre offered an important service at a time when fuel bills were increasing and people were keen to find more ways to save money.

"I am pleased to support Transition Minehead and Alcombe with their new project which shows impressive progress as the group was formed less than four years ago," Cllr Ross said.

The centre has been funded by the Local Action for Rural Communities Fund and Minehead Town council and is being supported by West Somerset Council.

Some 16 people called in on the opening day to talk to trained volunteer staff about insulation, high electricity bills, draughty houses and other energy issues.

Hester Watson of TMA said the launch had been a huge success and encouraged people to make use of the new centre.

"We have lots of information on all sorts of energy issues and we will learn from our customers what help is most needed in this area," she said.

A prize draw is being held for the best energy saving idea submitted before October 20 and anyone with ideas is being encouraged to drop in to the centre.

The Energy Saving Centre is open on Thursdays and Saturdays between 10am and 2pm.

More information is available from Hester on 01643 821768 or via the website http://energysavingcentre.webstarts.com">http://energysavingcentre.webstarts.com.

Photo: Steve Guscott