A VISITOR information centre in the heart of Minehead would be more cost effective than the existing seafront facility - currently closed - according to a proposal from the Minehead Development Trust.

It has earmarked a former giftshop in The Avenue, adjacent to a walkway through to the town's Blenheim Gardens as a prime location.

And the proposal, which is likely to cost around £71,000 a year to run, is expected to be considered by West Somerset Council in April, with the authority asked to contribute £20,000 in the first year at least.

Trust member and Minehead Chamber of Trade chairman Graham Sizer told Minehead Town Council this week that there was no way the seafront centre could operate long term without subsidies.

But he said it appeared the town council had yet to draw up any formal plans for taking over the building, delivering a tourism service and eventually reducing subsidisation.

Mr Sizer said the only sensible alternative was to move the centre into the town, restoring the link with residents which existed when it was located in Friday Street.

In addition to the district council contribution, the trust's bid would need a £15,000 investment from the town council, although the aim would be to reduce all local authority support in following years, with the chamber of trade putting up a £10,000 'buffer' to support the initiative.

An estimated £22,000 in retail sales, rising to £38,000 by year three would also help bolster the centre's viability.

But an estimated £33,000 would have to be paid out in staff costs, including a line manager and centre manager.

Mr Sizer told the town council he wanted to see the new centre up and running by Easter, although the authority will also not be able to formally consider the trust's proposal until April.

"We are ready to go," he said. "We have got a lease, the signwriter is ready, the job descriptions are drawn up and the shopfitters are waiting in the wings."

In its proposal, the trust maintains: "With the experience of the chamber of trade in the area of the proposed new premises and the fact that the retail element of the centre will be replacing a current business and not creating new competition, the centre will be able to offer a wider range of retail relevant to that siting, as well as the retail traditionally associated with visitor centres, also capitalising on one of the gateways to Exmoor."

It also said detailed investigations had been carried out with regard to the central location of the centre.

"The shop that best suits the purposes has the additional benefit of an area in front that would be used for taster sessions of local craft making, face painting and activities, as well as the opportunity for attractions and organisations to publicise themselves.

"There would be activity there throughout the summer season, not only attracting people to the centre but also capturing interest in what West Somerset has to offer 'in the flesh' - a mini showcase for the area."

The trust believes the proposed location would make the centre more attractive to residents, building a strong winter time business, while also drawing more visitors into the town and increasing trade for existing shops and businesses.

But although not wanting to use the existing seafront facility, the trust believes the building should be retained for the public, town and community's benefit.

It highlights the possibility of an undercover, wet weather attraction for children, with an interactive nature or science focus, perhaps incorporating a link with Arthur C Clarke who lived in the town as a child.