COUNCILLORS are to apply for Minehead to become a designated ‘Watermark Town’ under a scheme run by Wessex Water to promote more sustainable use of water.

The scheme will be open between October 5 and November 20 for applications for the 2027 programme, starting in January.

The initiative encourages communities to promote better understanding of water management, environmental protection, climate resilience, and sustainable water use.

Towns which achieve Watermark status commit to delivering a combination of awareness campaigns and practical projects which encourage residents to value and protect local watercourses and the wider environment.

The programme is designed to be flexible, allowing participating councils and community organisations to develop projects which reflect local priorities and opportunities.

Activities can range from community awareness campaigns and educational initiatives through to practical environmental improvements and biodiversity projects.

Town clerk Ben Parker told councillors he had held initial discussions with Minehead Green Action Group regarding the possibility of supporting an application.

Mr Parker said feedback was positive, with the group indicating a willingness to work alongside the council in identifying and delivering appropriate projects should councillors decide to go ahead.

He said: “Initial discussions suggest Minehead Green Action Group may be well placed to support the development and delivery of projects, enabling a community-led approach while maintaining appropriate town council oversight.

“At this stage, the council is not being asked to commit to specific projects.

“Rather, members are invited to consider whether they wish to support the principle of working toward ‘Watermark Town’ status and exploring potential opportunities in advance of the next application window.

“Participation may also provide opportunities to develop future environmental initiatives and strengthen partnership working with local organisations and volunteers.”

Mr Parker said the programme could provide grant funding of up to £2,000 toward eligible local projects.

Although the town council would not be required to commit its own funds, some authorities chose to supplement the external funding with their own contribution in order to increase the number, scale, or impact of projects delivered within their communities.

Mr Parker said: “Adopting a similar approach would provide flexibility to support local initiatives, strengthen funding bids, and demonstrate the council’s commitment to environmental improvement and community-led action.

“Alternatively, where projects are led by community organisations rather than the council directly, financial support could be considered through the council’s existing grant awarding policy and normal grant application process.

“This would allow proposals to be assessed against established criteria while maintaining transparency and consistency in decision-making.

“The Watermark scheme itself is a voluntary framework and does not require a specific statutory power for participation.

“Any individual projects delivered as part of the programme would be considered separately and undertaken using the appropriate statutory powers available to the council.

“Officer support for the initiative would represent an indirect resource commitment, although partnership working with local organisations such as Minehead Green Action Group may assist in reducing the administrative burden associated with project delivery.”

Mr Parker said officers would co-ordinate engagement with community groups, partners, and residents ahead of making the application.