TOWN councillors in Minehead have taken ownership of their offices with the purchase of a 999-year lease.

The move secures a permanent base for the authority for the first time in more than a decade.

For the past 10 years, the council has operated from its Summerland Road premises under short-term lease agreements.

But while the arrangement provided a practical base, the lack of long-term security prompted councillors to consider a range of options for the future.

Minehead Mayor Cllr Craig Palmer said: “Securing this 999-year lease is a major step forward for Minehead Town Council.

“Having worked from this building for the past decade, we are delighted to now call it our permanent home.

“This decision gives us long-term stability, represents good value for the community, and ensures that we remain in a location people know and can easily access.”

Town clerk Ben Parker said the decision had been taken following a careful review.

Mr Parker said: “This option was considered the most cost effective and the best choice for the community, ensuring continuity in a location that is both central to the town and familiar to residents.

“This move provides the council with security for the future and reaffirms its commitment to serving the people of Minehead from a permanent and accessible base.”

The authority earlier this year also took ownership from Somerset Council in an historic devolution deal of most of the town’s open spaces and a range of services previously delivered by the unitary council.

It now has ownership and management responsibility for key public spaces in Minehead, including Blenheim Gardens, Parks Walk, and the Ellicombe open space.

Play areas and some car parks and café facilities were also passed to the town council, allowing greater local control and more decisions to be taken in Minehead.