SOMERSET West and Taunton Council gardeners and maintenance teams were this week readying Minehead seafront for the summer season in preparation for the return of visitors as lockdown restrictions are gradually eased.

The council has taken on maintenance of the newly-planted seafront which also has two new play areas. It has begun clearing sand from the pavements and started to plant flowerbeds and hanging baskets using bedding plants from the council’s nursery.

The work complements the Enterprising Minehead initiative – a partnership project involving Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWAT), Minehead Coastal Community Team and partners including representatives from the business, voluntary and leisure sectors.

It has already helped to revitalise Minehead with initiatives including restoring six Edwardian shelters and establishing the Minehead Maritime Mile heritage interpretation trail which runs the length of the seafront.

Cllr Benet Allen, deputy leader and executive member for culture at SWAT, said: “The work has really improved the look of the seafront already.

“It’s wonderful for residents and will reassure visitors that Minehead is ready to welcome them after the impact of Covid-19.”

A spokesman said that the district council had also been working in partnership with the Somerset Wildlife Trust to create a number of species-rich wildflower meadows on council-owned land including Seaward Way and Culvercliffe in Minehead.

“The open spaces team has left these areas to re-wild, and has cut pathways to allow people to walk through them. They will sow wild flowers seed in the autumn.

“The initiative is part of the council’s commitment to protecting and improving biodiversity, identified as a priority in the emerging climate change strategy.”

Information regarding Enterprising Minehead can be found at https://mineheadcct.co.uk

More information on the Wildflower Meadow Project can be found on the Somerset West and Taunton Council website.