MEMBERS of Minehead Coastal Towns Initiative (CTI) said they had received many positive comments on their proposals to regenerate the town when they put their plans on show at last week's Dunster Country Fair.

John Malin, Fred Barnes, and Bryan Leaker, from Minehead CTI, said they were approached by around 60 residents and visitors about their plans to revitalise the seaside resort.

The proposals, which were officially unveiled at an exhibition in Minehead last month, include a multi-million pound civic, cultural, and community centre, developing the Regal Theatre to its full potential, a sea front-located state of the art visitor centre, and an all-weather skate park for youngsters.

Mr Barnes said: "One of the issues raised was a feeling that Minehead needed to develop its own identity as people were much more familiar with Butlins and Exmoor but knew little about Minehead itself."

He said he had received "many encouraging replies" to the plans, which were featured in the Free Press at the end of last month, but was still keen to receive more.

Residents who would like to make any comments about the plans can telephone or fax Mr Barnes on 01643 706961, e-mail him at [email protected]">[email protected] , or write to him at Oreland, The Parks, Minehead TA24 8DD.

Minehead is one of nine pilot towns in the South West selected by the Government to take part in its Market and Coastal Towns Initiative.

The scheme aims to encourage regeneration and could potentially attract millions of pounds in funding to the selected areas.

Minehead CTI's plans will be on show at next Friday's Dunster Show.