VISITORS from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government were given a steam bus tour of the town, harbour and seafront last Wednesday (October 23).

Their hosts were the Minehead Coastal Communities Team (MCCT), who followed the tour with a presentation of completed projects and plans for the future with a focus on marketing local attractions under the brand identity ‘Minehead Bay’.

Katrina Midgley, MCCT chairman, said: “We were delighted to welcome the Government visitors to Minehead and to be able to show them not only the main MCCT projects but also some of the hidden gems in the town.”

The visitors were especially keen to learn more about the Enterprising Minehead project which aims to make the most of Minehead’s traditional appeal as a seaside resort while making sure it is fit for the 21st century.

Enterprising Minehead is a partnership project involving Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWAT), the MCCT and representatives from the business, voluntary and leisure sectors.

The project to make Minehead a go-to seaside destination successfully secured funding of £131,000 from the Government’s Coastal Communities Fund, £501,000 from the Hinkley Point C Community Impact Mitigation (CIM) Fund, and £80,000 from the Leader, EU Fund for Rural Communities.

The money has been used to fund several initiatives to revitalise West Somerset’s flagship seaside resort and further plans are being made.

The Enterprising Minehead team is also working with the Business Improvement District (BID) in Minehead to give local businesses a greater say.

Cllr Marcus Kravis, SWAT executive member for economic development said: “The Enterprising Minehead project is a wonderful example of partnership working and how it can benefit businesses, residents and visitors.

“It has already made a real difference to the seafront and esplanade and this was evident during the Government visit.”