TOWN councillors were this week being asked to approve a £17,500 programme to replace three ageing bus shelters in Minehead.

But town clerk Ben Parker said the new shelters would not cost Minehead council taxpayers a penny.

Mr Parker said although the town council had to commission the work, the cost would be met from a Government bus service improvement grant received by Somerset Council.

The shelters to be replaced are in Bircham Road, opposite Brook Street, on the Bancks Street junction with The Parade, and outside The Avenue cinema.

Mr Parker said the town council would meet the project’s upfront costs and then be reimbursed by the unitary authority.

However, due to earlier delays, the shelters would not now be in place until after Christmas.