THREE interested parties have stepped forward to take over Minehead's dedicated visitor information centre following dire warnings about its future.

A dozen volunteers have also come forward to offer their time and help to ensure the doors of the seafront centre remain open.

As reported in the Free Press in May, the purpose-built centre was facing an increasingly uncertain future just two years after being opened.

West Somerset Council revealed it could not afford the £40,000 annual cost of running the facility and earlier this year invited volunteers and private organisations to submit bids to run the centre.

Talks were also held with key groups, including the chamber of trade, steam railway and town council about its future.

District councillors have already made it clear they believe the tourism industry and Minehead Town Council should foot the bill for providing a tourist information centre in the town.