ROAD signs could be ditched, white lines removed and pavements become a thing of the past as part of a radical idea to give pedestrians and motorists equal priority in parts of Minehead.

The idea to create a 'shared space' has been put forward by Minehead vision manager Stephen Hooper as part of a wider scheme to regenerate and boost the seaside town's economic fortunes.

The shared space concept involves doing away with pavements, curbs, road surface markings and traffic signs, and has already been successfully introduced in towns and villages across the UK and Europe.

Local people will be able to find out more about what could be in store for Minehead when shared spaces expert Ben Hamilton-Baillie gives a presentation in the town's Beach Hotel in the new year.

As an urban design consultant, Mr Hamilton-Baillie has successfully drawn up shared space schemes across the country and will be giving his presentation on its potential on Wednesday January 8 at 6.30pm.

In Minehead, the area between the Beach Hotel and West Somerset Railway and the area between the Old Hospital and the Regal Theatre have been deemed as appropriate for such a scheme.

And Mr Hamilton-Baillie is convinced the concept will reduce congestion and traffic speeds, making life easier for both motorists and pedestrians alike.

"Pedestrians just cross wherever they want, interacting with the slow, continuously flowing traffic," he said.

"It turns out to be both cheaper and more efficient and overcomes the barrier effect of major roads."

He said motorists no longer had to think about what they were doing due to the proliferation of road signs and markings telling them what to do.

But by doing away with the signs, everyone had to pay more attention.

"Cars and trucks are part of our social and economic structure, for better or worse," Mr Hamilton-Baillie said.

"Shared space allows traffic to be integrated into the dynamics and social structure of towns and cities.

"Rather than fighting the car, shared space principles simply allow the car to be used more efficiently.

"Traffic and movement is the lifeblood of towns and cities, and treating the driver as human appears to generate more efficient flows as well as more civilised spaces and interaction."

Mr Hooper said he was hopeful West Somerset residents would take the chance to find out more about the concept at the Beach Hotel event.

"The presentation is open to all, and residents and businesses in both areas are particularly encouraged to attend to find out how this design approach can bring economic, social and environmental benefits," he said.

As reported previously, Mr Hooper is already working on plans to create a 'heritage hub' at the northern end of Minehead.

Central to that plan is the conversion of the former Steamers bar in the Beach Hotel - now owned by the YMCA Somerset Coast Group - to house a café along with a new Minehead Information Centre and dedicated museum.

The venture has secured support from the YMCA, Minehead Development Trust, Minehead Museum Group and the West Somerset Railway.