MINEHEAD'S flagging fortunes could receive a much needed boost with the launch of a new band of community activists.

Single parent Fay Dyke is behind the Revive Minehead group, which held its first meeting in the town last week.

Fay, who is currently studying for an Open University degree in social sciences and psychology, said the aim of the new initiative was to work with existing groups within the town and the three local authorities - Somerset County Council, West Somerset Council and Minehead Town Council.

"The general feedback from the meeting was that positivity is needed throughout the town," said Fay, who has lived in Minehead for the past two years but has been visiting the town for more than eight years.

"Lack of communication between groups is a fundamental issue and Revive Minehead is a great way of bridging that lack."

The meeting also agreed that community events were "a must" in pulling the town together in both the winter and summer seasons so the focus was not entirely on tourists and visitors.

"Revive Minehead is needed and has already received a positive response," said Fay.

The idea of forming a group followed Fay's decision to set up a Revive Minehead Facebook page and twitter feed and an online Minehead Conversation Group to give people the chance to share their views, hopes and concerns for the town.

"I wanted to push forward with the whole 'pooling of ideas' concept and give the community a platform and be represented," said Fay.

The new group is backing ideas put forward recently by local businessman and former town councillor John Clyde-Smith who is keen to create more parking on the seafront, reduce parking charges and provide markets, entertainment, deckchairs and bicycle hire on the land.

Fay said, although the proposals centred on the seafront, it was believed businesses further up The Avenue would benefit because of the increased footfall.

The new group hopes to work alongside existing organisations, including the Minehead Development Trust which is behind plans to convert the town's old hospital into a community and cultural hub.

"We need to be interacting and working alongside existing groups, ensuring that we do not step on their toes but spurring them into action," said Fay.

"It is not my aim to undermine, attack or hinder the work of the other established groups but to try and bridge the gap that I feel is lacking and to try to give the community a voice."

Anyone interested in finding out more about Revive Minehead can contact Fay on 01643 706418.