MINEHEAD could be led by its own dedicated town centre manager within a matter of months, with a brief to boost the economy, regenerate the town and promote business and skills opportunities.

The £25,000 to £30,000-a-year post would be funded from a Government cash pot given to West Somerset Council specifically to help the seaside town.

Alongside the manager's post, an apprenticeship would also be offered, again funded by Government money, to support the new postholder.

A £70,000 pot has already been ringfenced by the district council to cover the manager's role and the additional set-up costs, although councillors still have to give the final go-ahead when they meet next month.

Corinne Matthews, the council's economic regeneration manager, will tell members the manager's role is vital to drive forward a range of regeneration priorities in Minehead.

Most importantly, someone is needed to drive forward bids to secure additional external funding for projects in the town.

In a report to Wednesday's cabinet meeting, Ms Matthews says: "There is a very clear role at the present time to provide additional resource for working-up funding bids to full application stage, particularly those which also require community engagement.

"The role of the vision manager will be to work with communities and key stakeholders in Minehead to co-ordinate the delivery of the Minehead Vision Action Plan, making sure that activity is undertaken that delivers measurable socio-economic outcomes for Minehead."

The council was given £200,000 in Government Seaside Strategy Funding in 2009 and since then a dedicated group had been working on plans to ensure every penny is well spent.

"This payment was made in recognition of the important role that towns such as Minehead play in the coastal economy, linked to the fact that Minehead was one of the most 25 deprived coastal towns in England," Ms Matthews told councillors previously.

"In order to make best use of the current available funds, the authority decided that it should use key organisations and individuals operating in Minehead to help advise on how best to utilise them.

"This led to the setting up of the Minehead Visioning Group, which was intended to assist in the creation and implementation of a vision for Minehead."

The visioning group includes representatives from the district council, Minehead Town Council, Somerset County Council and Minehead Chamber of Trade, as well as members of other key groups and organisations in the town.

The group has drawn-up a detailed action plan with key priorities and targets by working under the agreed vision that in 2020 Minehead would be a "thriving, prosperous, safe and attractive town, with access to quality services and facilities for residents, businesses and visitors alike".

To that end, all bids for strategy funding must fit with the vision statement and the group's action plan before being considered for funding by the district council.

Some £28,937 has already been allocated for improvements to the bandstand in Blenheim Gardens, new signs at the Enterprise Park and seating on The Esplanade, together with money to support a bid by Minehead Heritage Trust for Heritage Lottery Fund to help revitalise the town's old hospital into a community and cultural hub.

Most recently, an additional £50,000 was given to Minehead Amateur Theatrical Association (MATA), to revamp the entrance and access at the town's Regal Theatre.

At the cabinet meeting, councillors will be told the vision manager would be expected to deliver a business plan for the regeneration of Minehead and publicise training, skills, enterprise and business opportunities.

They would also help to develop a cultural quarter in the town, promote existing amenities, support community initiatives and promote the work of the visioning group.

The manager would be based in the Minehead Information Centre and work 37-hours a week with an 18-month contract.

The apprentice would work the same hours on a minimum wage and take part in a day release programme to gain a qualification in business management.

"Given the high levels of youth unemployment and linking this to the priorities within the council's corporate priorities for providing more employment opportunities for young people, it is proposed to create a 12-month apprenticeship opportunity to support the vision manager," says Ms Matthews' report.

"Minehead Development Trust has agreed to take on the role of employer to the vision manager and apprentice posts."

If funding is approved, a workplan for both roles would then be agreed on a quarterly basis by members of the trust, the district council and Minehead Town Council.