MINEHEAD will be looking to end a run of seven successive defeats when they play away to Clutton in the first division of the Ulsport Somerset County Football League this afternoon (May 5). However Minehead, who have slipped to 12th in the table, will be chasing a double against Clutton, having beaten their rivals 2-1 at home back in early February. Since then they have managed only a draw - against Nailsea & Tickenham - during a depressing run of results. Minehead end their season with a home game against Keynsham Town Reserves on Saturday. Comments Tel: 01984 632731 [email protected]Follow us Further Links Owned or licensed to Tindle Newspapers Ltd | Independent Family-Owned Newspapers | Copyright & Trade Mark Notice & 2013 - 2025 MINEHEAD AFC U16 Girls lifted the league trophy and received their medals for winning the Somerset Girls League title in a friendly at Minehead FC against Weston Mendip. It was a fantastic occasion with well over 100 supporters seeing the girls play their final match as a team. Following the final whistle skipper Erin and her team lifted the trophy high into summer like sky. The season overall was huge success after a summer of uncertainty when losing older players. When the season did arrive the girls were without a permanent GK so throughout the season they’ve been juggling each game depending on availability. This though showed a strong sign of their togetherness and willingness to work as a team and produce fantastic results. The side went unbeaten across the season with notably a 13-game winning streak cementing their place as champions. Scoring 90 goals and only conceding 14, the girls dominated the division throughout. This league success was the 3rd in 5 seasons with a total 29 girls representing this team in all its versions. This has been a fantastic youth journey for this team, shining a light on what is possible in Minehead for its future female footballers - a fitting conclusion for this trailblazing and inspiring football team. Congratulations to - Lilly, Lucy, Leah, Bonita, Evie, Izzy, Emily, Ruby, Jaz, Mabel, Erin, Charlotte, Alana and Carly. Manager Dan Haran said: “I cannot emphasise enough what the girls have done. Not just this season but the past six years. They’ve totally changed the female footballing landscape and Minehead FC are firmly on the map in the female game. They’ve done this through their brilliance on the pitch and top sportsmanship and dedication of it. To the girls, their parents and all our supporters. Thank you!” Tel: 01984 632731 [email protected]Follow us CHRIS Hill scored a fine, unbeaten century for Ashbrittle’s second team who beat Minehead 3rd XI away by 149 runs in the third division of the West Somerset Cricket League. Hill made108 not out off 94 balls, with 13 fours and two sixes as Ashbrittle piled up 289-2 in their 40 overs. Rob Popplestone also scored 72 not out off 66 balls with ten fours. Minehead opener Vishnu Kombath was the only batter to offer resistance, scoring 42 as Ellie Popplestone snapped up 6-42 and Leon Westcott took 2-2. Bishops Hull were 125-run winners at home to Hemyock with Josh Chanter hammering 127 for the Taunton side, while Dan Chanter hit 41. Jalal Ahmen took 2-40. Hemyock never looked comfortable when batting, although there were some late order runs from Adam May (34) and Malcolm Steer (27). Mark Hallas snapped up 4-16 for Bishops Hull while Dan Chanter finished with figures of 3-12 and Josh Chanter 3-0 off eight balls. Cannington cruised to a ten-wicket home win over Stoodleigh, who were bowled out for 146 with Dave Hoveman taking 3-26 and Edward Coombes 3-33. The home side’s batters Christian Callum (65 not out) and Hugh Ogle (72 not out) encountered few problems in knocking off the runs for an easy victory. In Division Four, Pati Cole scored 50 and Joel Cornish 49 as Roadwater beat Buckland St Mary & Bishopswood by 84 runs. Chasing a target of 203, Buckland were bowled out for 118 with Ian Every hitting 48. Jayden Payton took 2-18 and Andrews Whitley 2-17. Results, Division Three: Bishops Hull 253-5 (35), Hemyock 128 (11); Cannington 147-0 (35), Stoodleigh 146 (7); Minehead 140 (9), Ashbrittle 289-2 (35); Carhampton 128-8 (14), Cutcombe 130-8 (31). Division Four: Fitzhead (35), Brompton Ralph (0); Over Stowey 60-0 (35), Stoke St Mary 59 (2); Roadwater 202-8 (35), Buckland St Mary 118-8 (13). Tel: 01984 632731 [email protected]Follow us MINEHEAD 2nd XI kicked off the new season with a five-wicket home victory over Spaxton in Division Three of the Somerset Cricket League. Spaxton, who opted to bat first, got off to a poor start, losing two wickets in scoring only 12 runs. However Adam Richards (35) joined Ryan Gamlin (9), and the pair put on 33 runs for the third wicket. Ben Rich provented a mini-collapse with a knock of 46, taking the score on to 162 before he was eventually out. The home side scored 169 for nine in their 40 overs with Robert Spiers taking 3-31, Lewis Goodman 2-17, Sam Cobb 2-25, Renjeesh Krishnan 1-12 and Harry Swann 1-18. Minehead made a good start with openers Andrew Stevens (20) and Oli Ahern (53) putting on 66 for the first wicket. Cobb was next in and made a useful 27, but it was Goodwin (31 not out) and Krishnan (22 not out) who steered the seasiders to victory with an unbroken stand of 36 as Minehead reached their target at the end of the 34th over to collect 34 points. John Bishop bowled eight overs, taking 2-24 while David Pople took 2-22 - also from eight overs. North Curry were in good form, gaining a 79-run home success against Cheddar while Chard 2nd XI bowled out North Newton for 80 to win by 124 runs. Results, Division Three: North Curry 226-9, Cheddar 151; North Newton 80, Chard 2nd XI 204-6; Spaxton 169-9, Minehead 2nd XI 170-5; Taunton Indian 266-6, Street 142; Wiveliscombe 110, South Petherton 158. Meanwhile, Minehead 2nd XI play away to South Petherton on Saturday, May 10, while Wiveliscombe are also away - to Spaxton. Fixtures, Division Three: Chard 2nd XI v Taunton Indian, Cheddar v North Petherton, South Petherton v Minehead 2nd XI, Spaxton v Wiveliscombe, Street v North Petherton. Tel: 01984 632731 [email protected]Follow us MINEHEAD & West Somerset Golf Club Ladies beat Wheathill 6-1 at home in their first Somerset League match. Last week’s competition was a medal (strokeplay) for the Wimbush and Junior Bowls. Karen Davis won off a handicap of 25, scoring a nett 74. Second was Ros Chidgey off a handicap of 29, scoring 76. This week’s competition was Coronation foursomes (teams of 2 playing alternate shots). Winners were Ros Chidgey and Sue Garwood on 36 Stableford points who performed better on the back nine to beat Flora Horne and Gill Hurley. The winners qualify for a regional final. A group of Minehead Ladies enjoyed an away day at Tavistock Golf club for their annual coffee morning. Eighteen holes of golf were played in beautiful sunshine; a good warm up for the season. Next week sees another Somerset League match away to Tall Pines. The Ladies competition is a Stableford. May also sees the commencement of two singles internal knockout competitions. Tel: 01984 632731 [email protected]Follow us MINEHEAD & West Somerset Golf Club hosted an Open Seniors Stableford competition on Wednesday - an event that attracted more than 80 entrants and summer weather with not a trace of a breeze. it was expected that scoring would be good - and so it turned out to be. In a very close contest, Nigel Gardner (Minehead GC) took the honours on countback with 42 points. Sandy Lyons (Minehead GC) took second place while Jim Malarkey (Minehead GC) came third with 41 points. Mike Jinks (Burnham & Berrow GC) took first prize for the best visitors score with 40 points, also finishing fourth overall. In among all the results, a special mention must go to Paul Rees (Minehead GC) for his hole in one on the 10th. Very unusual for Paul to hit the green on any par 3, so this was some achievement! It is every golfer’s dream and Paul will long remember it. The second round of the Seniors Marshall Cup was played on Friday in perfect conditions. The rapidly growing lush rough provided a stern test of observation for those who deviated from the fairway, frequently costing shots and occasionally a trek back to the tee. None of this appeared to affect Chris Durman who returned a nett 70 to win this round. Fraser Lawrence kept up his good run of form with a nett 71 to take second place on count back from Trevor Stephens, another in good form, in third. One of the most prestigious events in the Men’s Calendar was played on the Minehead course recently. The Bickerton Bowl Scratch Open, a 36-hole medal competition took place at Minehead last Sunday with players travelling from as far afield as Weymouth, Hertfordshire and Mid-Wales. In the afternoon round, Jonathan Grace continued his excellent form to return a gross 69 that included an eagle on the par 5, 5th and 3 birdies. This was sufficient to claim second place behind Justin Lane (Burnham & Berrow GC) on count back who also finished with a gross 69. In third position was Josh Stancer (-1) (Taunton & Pickeridge) with a gross 70. Overall, and many congratulations on winning the Bickerton Bowl was Jonathan Grace who finished with a total of 136 (-8). In second place with 142 (-2) was Josh Martin while Archie Walsh (Minehead GC) took third also with 142 (-2). Only four players finished below par for the day, with Josh Stancer (-1) taking 4th with 143 (-1). Many congratulations go to to the winners and all players who took part and the Minehead and West Somerset Golf Club look forward to welcoming all golfers back again next year. It is a competition which is enjoyed by everyone. Tel: 01984 632731 [email protected]Follow us MINEHEAD’S poor form towards the end of the season continued when they slumped to a 4-0 away defeat against Ashcott in the first division of the Uhlsport Somerset County Football League Desperate for all three points to take them out of a relegation position for the very first time this season, Ashcott continued their goalscoring spree which now amounts to seventeen goals in their final four games of the season, to comfortably win the game, and keep their season alive. However, with Ashcott having now played all of their games, Keynsham Town Reserves (who Ashcott have now leap-frogged in the table) will go back above them and to safety themselves when they play at Minehead, if they record any sort of win over The Blues. Keeping the pressure on, up the end-to-end sloping pitch, another better-than-half chance was headed over the crossbar. Shortly afterwards however, Rufeo Taylor, the hosts’ other in form goal-scorer, put is side ahead when an opportunity fell in his lap, beating Arnold at the far post to open the scoring. Early in the second half the impressive striker then doubled his personal tally with a header. Trying to get back in contention, Toby Waghorn fed Matt Trump an accurate centre, but his attempt on goal was too high. Trump was in action again a few moments later, and having cleverly beaten two defenders, his shot was wide. Belying their position in the table Ashcott continued to press, and after Minehead introduced substitutes in the form of Scott Kivell, Jack Campbell-Farmer and Oli Reaney, Stefan Phillips saw his free kick curl just over. A few minutes later Luce scored from a similar, but slightly lower free kick curler. With the game now slipping away from them Minehead became more ragged, and they fell four behind when they seemed to have effectively played a high line catch the hosts offside, but the call was strangely ignored by the referee and Luce ran through to complete his hat-trick, scoring the final goal of the game. Minehead: Steven Arnold, Luke Wilson, Charlie Disney, Louis Burge, George Painter, Sam Jackson, Stefan Phillips, Will Singleton-Voss, Toby Waghorn, Guy Burns, Matt Trump. Subs: Scott Kivell, Jack Campbell-Farmer, Oli Reaney (all used). Man of the Match: Luke Wilson. Elsewhere, new champions Congresbury dropped two surprise points when they were held to a 1-1 home draw by Keynsham Town Reserves. It was only the sixth time this season that Congresbury had failed to win a game, this being their fifth draw of the season - with only one game lost. Stockwood Green maintained second place after they gained a convincing 4-0 away victory over Middlezoy Rovers Reserves. It meant the Green needed only a point from their last match to make sure of the runners-up spot. Tel: 01984 632731 [email protected]Follow us MINEHEAD Bowls Club have held their presentation of trophies following their winter indoor competitions. Tom Hill won the men’s singles while Sara Rew won the ladies singles. Men's Singles Winner: Tom Hill; Runner Up: Derek Sturmer. Ladies Singles Winner: Sara Rew; Runner Up: Shirley Matthews. Unmarked Singles Winner: Tom Hill; Runner Up: Richard Goodenough. Nominated Pairs Winners: Sara Rew & Ian Hayes; Runners Up: Roman Ross & Tom Hill. Drawn Pairs Winners: Al Griffiths & Nick Garnder; Runners up: Colin HIrons & Iain Bullock. Tony Crook: 2 wood Pairs Winners: Tom Hill & Colin Hirons; Runners Up: Derek Sturmer & Derek Sully. Australian Pairs Winners: Ian Hayes & Colin Hirons; Runners Up: Terry Morgan & Mark Palmer. Australian Pairs Plate Winners: Marie Green & Alan Blackmore; Runners Up: Joe Bulmer & Sheila Cooper. TriplesWinners: Derek Sully, Mick Grogan & Mark Palmer; Runners Up: Alan Blackmore, John Munson & Ed Moulder. Rinks Winners: Colin Hirons, Tom Hill, Geoff Murrell, Mark Palmer; Runners Up: Richard Goodenough, Iain Bullock, Jayne Emmerson, Terry Emmerson. Tel: 01984 632731 [email protected]Follow us A “BEAUTIFUL” pub near Minehead is up for sale – with an asking price of £450,000-plus – and comes with its own ghost It is being marketed by TAUK and the landmark pub is listed as being “full of charm “Blue Anchor Bay is a pretty little seaside village which comes alive in the spring and summer yet also benefits a strong local community and a Hoburne Holiday & Park Home Village – adjacent to the Smugglers Inn – that operates 48 weeks of the year,” it said It added: “As you enter the winding driveway from the coast road you cannot help but notice the imposing size of this property and the amount of history that must lie within “A beautiful pub and restaurant full of charm plus four-bed owner accommodation make up a substantial freehold period property in a stunning bay-side location close to the resort town of Minehead.” Follow us on Subscribe to the The New Blackmore Vale Magazine The New Stour & Avon Magazine Salisbury & Avon Gazette POLICE are hunting two people who smashed the windows of a car in Minehead The incident unfolded in Warren Road when a car was damaged some time between 6.20pm and 6.30pm on April 3 An Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson said the men “approached a silver Audi and tried to gain access to the vehicle before driving off in “One of the suspects was wearing glasses black trousers and black trainers,” they added “The second suspect was wearing a grey/black hooded jacket with the hood up and grey trousers.” should contact police on 101 and quote reference 5225095781 READ MORE: Crime news from your Somerset Leveller WIVELISCOMBE play away to North Petherton Panthers in Under 13 8s West section of the Taunton & District Youth Cricket League on Friday, May 9. Wellington Dukes 8 are also in action in this section and have an away fixture against near neighbours Staplegrove. There are also matches in the Under 13 11 a side section on Friday, with Taunton St Andrews Griffins having a derby match at home to Taunton Diamonds. North Curry make the trip to play Glastonbury Thorns while Minehead Pirates are home to Bridgwater. There is also a full programme of fixtures for sides playing in the league on Sunday, May 11. Minehead Barbarians are away to Taunton Rubies in Under 11 West A while Wellington entertain Taunton Deane Tigers in Under 15 11 a side. Fixtures, Friday, May 9, Under 13 8s West: North Petherton Panthers v Wiveliscombe, Staplegrove v Wellington Dukes 8, Taunton Deane Greens v Over Stowey, Taunton Vikings v Stogumber, Yeovil v Curry Rivel Colts. Under 13 11 a side: Glastonbury Thorns v North Curry, Ilminster Bears v Taunton Deane Tornadoes, Minehead Pirates v Bridgwater, Taunton Deane Falcons v Wembdon Wombats, Taunton St Andrews Griffins v Taunton Diamonds, Trull v Wedmore Wolverines. Sunday, May 11, Under 11 West A: Brompton Ralph v Taunton Vulcans, Taunton Deane Falcons v Over Stowey, Taunton Rubies v Minehead Bucaneers, Taunton St Andrews Wombats, v Taunton Deane Greens. Under 11 West B: Broadway & Horton A v Wiveliscombe, Staplegrove v Wellington Reds, Taunton Titans v Taunton Deane Eagles, West Monkton v Bishops Hull. Under 15 11 a side: Bridgwater Red Sox v North Curry, Minehead v Wembdon Wolves, Taunton Deane Pumas v Taunton St Andrews, Wellington v Taunton Deane Tigers. Under 15 8 LMS West: Bishops Hull v Quantock Allstars, Curry Rivel Colts v Taunton Saphires, Taunton St Andrews Tigers v Ilminster Bears, Wiveliscombe v Brompton Ralph. Tel: 01984 632731 [email protected]Follow us POLICE are investigating after two unknown men smashed the windows of a car in Warren Road Sometime between 6.20pm and 6.30pm on April 3 the men approached a silver Audi and tried to gain access to the vehicle before driving off in The second suspect was wearing a grey/black hooded jacket with the hood up and grey trousers. Anybody who was in the area and witnessed the incident, or have footage, are urged to call police on 101 and quote reference 5225095781. Tel: 01984 632731 [email protected]Follow us We use some essential cookies to make this website work We’d also like to use analytics cookies so we can understand how you use our website and make improvements to your services The first apartments in Somerset Council’s Rainbow Way development in Minehead are heading towards completion and prospective tenants are being invited to enjoy a tour later this month A special open event is being held on Tuesday 21 January from 2pm to 5pm giving local people the chance to see one of the new homes for themselves Visitors should enter the new development located at the end of Rainbow Way (TA24 5EQ) to access the property The apartments on show are among 54 homes are being built at the site They are the first council homes in West Somerset for more than 30 years The first houses to be completed are already occupied and a further 16 homes are due to be completed next month including 2 bungalows for those who need accessible homes are expected to be completed by Spring this year Visitors to the Open event will get the chance to hear at first-hand about progress the zero carbon technology and find out how to register with Homefinder Somerset for the new properties which are a mix of 33 flats and 21 houses The majority of the houses have already been let with the remaining 5 houses being available on Homefinder shortly All the apartments are still to be advertised with a total of 17 1-bedroom and 15 2-bedroom homes plus 1 fully accessible 2-bedroom ground floor apartment A video walk-through tour of some of the properties is available to watch via the Council’s YouTube channel Councillor Federica Smith-Roberts The feedback we’ve had from tenants who have already moved in are so positive and they are impressed with the high standards achieved Our Open event last summer was really popular with people queuing to look around the site It proves how desperately these homes are needed These are the first Council homes in the west of the county for many years and it’s exciting that we are seeing such progress towards completion of the project We believe the quality and low energy specification which we have used will make these wonderful homes for many years Priority for the new properties, a mix of 2, 3 and 4-bedroom houses and 1 and 2-bedroom flats, will be given to those living, in or having connections to Minehead, and the adjoining parishes of Minehead Without, Selworthy, Wootton Courtenay, Timberscombe and Dunster. They will be made be available via homefindersomerset.co.uk Construction is being carried out by Classic Builders and the homes will aim to meet 2050 zero-carbon standards Representatives from the firm and Somerset Council will be on hand at the event to answer questions Rainbow Way has ambitious energy performance targets, working towards the Low Energy Transformation Initiative (LETI) definition of net zero Low carbon technologies including PV panels thermal storage with smart controllers and air source heat pumps are being installed leading to lower energy bills for residents Visit our Contact us page for more information and advice on how to get in touch with one of our support teams Our AppThe easiest way to get up to date info on what's on, where to eat and drink and more. Download on either Android or Apple. FAQsHaven't quite found what you're looking for Take a look at our frequently asked question section for more help and advice AN out of town petrol filling station, a drive-thru Costa coffee shop, an electric vehicle charging hub, and a convenience store are being planned for Minehead. An application for a ‘roadside service station’ has been submitted to Somerset Council on a 1.7-acre site off the Ellicombe roundabout, between the A39 and Ellicombe Lane. It came from filling station forecourt developer Forelle Estates Ltd, of Poole, Dorset, which is known to work with oil company Shell and regularly partners with Budgens and Subway to put stores on its sites. Thirty-five jobs would be created, 10 of them full-time, with the plans including a 3,817 sq ft retail store and a 1,825 sq ft Costa. Joshua Reid, of planning consultancy Alder King, said Forelle looked at the site in January, 2022, when it sought pre-application advice from the then-Somerset West and Taunton Council (SWT). Mr Reid said SWT took a year to respond, by which time it had been absorbed into the new unitary authority, with the planning officers expressing concern at the ‘substantial’ size of the retail store and that it would be an ‘out of centre’ development. However, officers supported the concept of electric vehicle charging (EV) and said they would ‘look positively’ at a charging station development. Mr Reid said there was a lack of roadside services along the A39 between the M5 at Bridgwater and Minehead, with the only fuel facilities being a small Esso forecourt in Williton. He said the A39 through Somerset and North Devon was a key route which currently had ‘woefully inadequate charging facilities’. Mr Reid said: “It is anticipated as the take up of electric vehicles accelerates in the coming years, the demand for petrol and diesel will drop to a level where this part of the development can be removed and replaced with more EV charging points to meet demand. “Both the EV/fuel and coffee shop facilities are aimed at motorists using the adjacent A39 as well as residents of Minehead and the surrounding settlements. “The EV charging infrastructure in Minehead is currently limited, with facilities restricted to mostly lower voltage charging points located in less convenient locations. “The application proposal, therefore, aims to provide much needed fast-charging facilities in a strategic location on the edge of Minehead, easily accessible to residents and visitors alike. “In a town where tourism is one of the biggest economies, the proposal will offer tourists a convenient place to charge their EV as they are arriving or departing from their visit.” Mr Reid said 10 EV bays would initially be provided, six of them fast charging, but up to 21 could be accommodated in future as demand rose. More could be installed if and when the petrol and diesel fuel pumps were no longer required ‘to serve legacy internal combustion engine cars’. Mr Reid said the site could not be said to be in ‘open countryside’ because of its ‘very close proximity’ to the edge of Minehead, and trees and hedgerow almost entirely screened views from Exmoor National Park. Tel: 01984 632731 [email protected]Follow us Unpaid carers in Somerset are invited to join Somerset Council, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and Community Council for Somerset (CCS) for a series of drop-in sessions throughout 2025 The first of the series is set to take place on Monday 31 March at Minehead Eye on Mart Road Industrial Estate in Minehead from 10am to 1.30pm and will include free information and advice specially tailored to support unpaid carers with their caring role Anyone who is looking after someone else in an unpaid capacity is welcome to come along to this free event even if they are receiving Carers Allowance Adult Social Care staff will be present to help guide unpaid carers through questions they might have Other organisations will also be there to give free information and advice The day will include a series of free seminars on a range of topics which cover areas frequently asked about by unpaid carers Councillor Fran Smith Associate Lead Member for Adult Social Care & Housing at Somerset Council We recognise the immense contributions made by unpaid carers and are committed to offering them the resources and assistance they need Events like the free drop-in in Minehead are a part of our ongoing efforts to ensure carers are well-informed and supported in their roles We invite all unpaid carers in the Minehead area to join us if they have any questions or feel that they need support in their caring role Your dedication and hard work are invaluable to our communities and we want to help you every step of the way Team Manager (South) and Carer Lead at Somerset Carer’s Service Please do come and meet the local team of Village and Carer Agents who will be on hand to offer support and advice along with organisations including Alzheimer’s Society and your loved one or cared for is also most welcome patient engagement and involvement manager at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust Carers across Somerset play a vital role in supporting the people they care for when they come into hospital for an appointment or overnight stay and we also offer support services through the health and wellbeing hub just off the main reception at Yeovil Hospital If you are visiting our hospitals and require assistance, please do get in touch with us on carersupport@somersetft.nhs.uk or thehub@somersetft.nhs.uk There’s more information about Somerset Council’s commitment to carers on its Carers in Somerset page VISITORS from places as far apart as Bristol and Yeovil travelled to Watchet on Easter Monday for the town’s first jumble trail The day was so successful that a second jumble trail is being planned in Watchet for the summer and one could also be held in Minehead was organised to raise funds for the West Somerset Welcome Hub Hub manager Kate Kennedy said: “We had such a great turnout “A huge thank you to everybody who joined us and the trail came to life with smiling faces “We are excited to announce that we will be bringing the jumble trail to Watchet again this summer and we are also looking into hosting one in Minehead later on Ms Kennedy said it was a ‘delightful way to explore the community while finding incredible deals and unique items’ She said jumble trails were community-based events where residents set up stalls outside their homes to sell items they no longer need Ms Kennedy said new sellers were constantly being registered to secure their spot on the trail Anybody who is interested in selling their own items through the jumble trail, should register for £3 with their fee going to the welcome hub by emailing [email protected] or calling 07964 059296. The welcome hub, which operates on Thursdays from The Sanctuary, Swain Street, and on Wednesdays in Minehead Eye, provides advice, information, and support for refugees and migrants starting a new life in West Somerset. The West Somerset hub is one of six across the county. Tel: 01984 632731 [email protected]Follow us The first home in Somerset Council’s Rainbow Way in Minehead is nearly finished – and ready to open its doors to prospective tenants A special Open House event is being held on Tuesday 18 June from 2pm to 5pm end-of-terrace home – is one of 54 homes are being built at the site Visitors will get the chance to hear at first-hand about progress the low carbon technology and find out how to register for the new properties which will be a mix of 33 flats and 21 houses The Council and the housing service are really excited that the first Council homes in the west of the county for many years are nearing completion The first home is expected to be handed over to tenants next month. Priority for the new properties, a mix of 2, 3 and 4-bedroom houses and 1- and 2-bedroom flats, will be given to those living, in or having connections to Minehead, and the adjoining parishes of Minehead Without, Selworthy, Wootton Courtenay, Timberscombe and Dunster. They will be made be available on homefindersomerset.co.uk thermal storage with smart controllers and air source heat pumps will be installed leading to lower energy bills for residents Innovative clay blocks are being used in the construction – these are low carbon and insulated to improve the buildings’ heat retention This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page RESIDENTS in Minehead and the surrounding area are being urged to speak out and join more than 230 people who have already lodged objections to plans for a roadside service station off the A39 Ellicombe roundabout just outside the town. Dorset-based Forelle Estates Ltd wants to build a petrol filling station with a Costa coffee drive-thru, a convenience store, and an electric vehicle (EV) charging hub. The company said the town did not have enough fast charging stations and could lose out on visitors who would go elsewhere without better EV facilities. But, members of a residents group opposing the scheme said the company’s claims appeared to be misleading and manipulative. Sarah and Josh Stanbury, who live in Ellicombe, said the greenfield site being looked at by Forelle was unsuitable for such a commercial enterprise ‘for a myriad of reasons’. They said 235 objections had been received by Somerset Council’s planning department since the company’s planning application was published in February. Mr and Mrs Stanbury said: “However, we need more local people to say ‘no’ to the absurd proposal of a service station, convenience store, and coffee shop in this location. “Apart from the fact the proposed development on the A39 site contravenes several planning policies, there is growing concern locally that both members of the public and the local planning authority could be manipulated by a large commercial developer.” They said it seemed some of the 100-plus letters of support for the project may have been submitted unwittingly by people who were not actually in favour, because of the way a social media advertisement was designed. A computer generated video showing how the roadside service station could look. The company’s bespoke website explaining its ‘exciting plans for new EV charging hub in Minehead’ was pre-loaded with a statement reading ‘I support Forelle Estates application for Minehead EV Hub!’ and only allowed users to click through by using a ‘support’ button. Mr and Mrs Stanbury said: “As such, whether individuals intended so or not, support has been gained from 108 people, from as far away as Derby.” They pointed to inconsistent information such as advertising referring to eight ultra fast chargers and three traditional fuel pumps and a small shop, when the planning statement included six fast chargers, 12 fuel pumps, and ‘more significantly, two large retail outlets’. The couple said: “This application is nothing more than poorly disguised ‘greenwashing’ by a commercial developer attempting to capitalise on the opportunity of adding a nominal number of fast EV charging points to secure extensive, highly profitable retail and fuel outlets through the local planning department. “As local people know, we already have a fuel station within half-a-mile of the proposed site, and another just 300 metres further on. “The third closest fuel station is just one mile away. “These facilities are always available with no queues at the pumps. “Similarly, there are already sufficient fast EV charge points in the area to comfortably meet demand. “Should there be increased demand in the future, not only is there potential at other existing sites in the area, but Butlin’s Minehead will likely provide these for their visitors as they have already done at Butlin’s Skegness. “This is nothing more than a trojan horse and a disguise to further maximise revenue for their proposed retail outlets.” Derek Merson, who lives in Ellicombe with his wife Carole, said: “Having lived directly opposite the site for 35 years and in the area all my life, I know this is not the right site for a service station and drive-thru coffee shop.” Mr Merson said the A39 was already under strain from the number of vehicles using it and Ellicombe Lane, which used to be the main road, had long since been by-passed because it was unsuitable for such volumes of traffic and was now mainly used by pedestrians as a safe link between Minehead and Dunster, dog walkers accessing the hills, and young people going to Minehead Rugby Club. He said traffic using the proposed service station would be a ‘significant danger’ for people whom he allowed to use his field opposite the site for rugby training. Another problem in the area was water run-off, with the site already frequently flooding, which would become worse if it was filled with concrete. Mr Merson said: “Furthermore, given the site is located at the gateway to Exmoor National Park, this area is recognised for its natural beauty and as such a planning application was previously refused on our land by an inspector through a planning appeal, for that very reason.” White Lodge Equine Clinic director Tom Gliddon said: “The effects of a development like this neighbouring our equine clinic and farm practice would be unimaginable. “Given that we care for sick and injured horses and farm animals, animal welfare would be greatly compromised by the associated noise and light pollution.” Mr Gliddon said the veterinary practice converted and improved existing agricultural buildings about 10 years ago to allow it to be established and had to install a balancing pond to mitigate run-off, which invariably filled up when it rained. He said it was therefore likely significant flooding would be caused by concreting over further grassland. David and Leo Noad, who also live in Ellicombe, said there were already traffic issues on the roundabout with a four-hour tailback on one recent weekend which saw emergency vehicles having to use the wrong side of the road to get through. They said: “This will only get worse if this development is allowed to go ahead. “There would also be a need to upgrade the roundabout, widen the roads, and remove hedgerows, etc. “The claim that the development will generate jobs is dubious, as these will merely be at the sacrifice of job losses in the existing numerous shops, coffee shops, and eateries within Minehead and Dunster. “A development like this would only deter visitors going into these centres, and already struggling independent coffee shops will lose business to a drive-through Costa.” Tel: 01984 632731 [email protected]Follow us TWO rival community groups wanting to develop a public swimming pool in Minehead could be merged Directors of Minehead Health and Wellbeing (MHW) a community interest company formed in November of last year told councillors they were planning to meet in the next few weeks with Minehead Swimming and Leisure (MSL) They said a potential merger into a single group would be discussed led by former district council chief executive and local sportsman Bruce Lang presented its vision for a community swimming pool and gym on the Irnham Recreation Ground on the site of a former football club grandstand It said it had ‘pre-planning approval’ for the centrally located which was one of the reasons behind Somerset Council agreeing to devolve ownership of the Alexandra Road car park to the town council indoor four-lane 25 metre pool with a retractable roof Councillors were told the project aimed to complement manager of The Beach Wellness gym in the Beach Hotel reported a 250 per cent increase in ‘health referrals’ since the Covid pandemic Read also: Business case being prepared for swim pool Read also: Two swim pool sites identified Ms Skinner said her team provided physical activity on referral services and specialised classes which were otherwise only available in towns such as Bridgwater and Taunton. She said the gym’s current premises, which opened in 2016, were no longer adequate for the growing demand in Minehead. MHW director Colin Christmas, a former West Somerset district council swimming development officer, outlined the swimming needs of people in the local area. Mr Christmas pointed to the large waiting list of Minehead Swimming Club, which had 150 active open water swimmers, and 300 to 400 child members. He emphasised the importance of water safety skills for residents living in a coastal community. Councillors raised questions around job creation, swimming coach recruitment with a mixture of paid and volunteer coaches, the need for ground surveys, which they were told would be carried out in due course, the modular building approach, a sustainable business model, and potential collaboration with other local swimming pool groups. MSL, which was formed in 2020 as a community benefit society and is run as a co-operative, also plans to build a full size heated indoor public swimming pool in Minehead and has identified two potential sites. Last month ,it announced the award of a £6,000 Reach Fund grant to be used to develop a business case to make it ‘investment ready’. MSL said it was planning later in the year to launch a pioneer share offer to help unlock future funding rounds. Shares in MSL can be bought for £1 and give members a vote on any decisions which are made. Minehead has been without a public swimming pool since the former district council-owned Aquasplash facility closed in 2007 and was demolished the following year. A Lidl supermarket now occupies the former Aquasplash site off Seaward Way. Tel: 01984 632731 [email protected]Follow us MORE bleed kits have been installed in key locations in Minehead as part of a police public safety initiative and to be prepared for emergencies. The potentially life-saving kits are designed to provide immediate assistance in the event of a traumatic injury involving severe bleeding. They contain essential medical supplies, including trauma dressings, tourniquets, and other critical items proven to save lives in emergency situations. Using the kits can help to stabilise a casualty until paramedics arrive. Minehead’s neighbourhood policing team worked with the town council, which provided funding, to install two more kits outside the Hairy Dog public house, in The Avenue, and Channel Adventure, in Warren Road. A council spokesperson said the authority remained committed to investing in community health and safety resources. Tel: 01984 632731 [email protected]Follow us TOWN councillors in Minehead have voted to oppose plans to build a ‘roadside service station’ off the A39 roundabout at Ellicombe Forelle Estates Ltd is asking Somerset Council for planning permission to put a petrol filling station and an electric vehicle charging hub on the 1.7-acre site agreed there were ‘multiple material planning reasons’ why the unitary authority should refuse the scheme The concerns of the town planning committee members included the project’s non-compliance with the adopted local development plan the close proximity to the edge of Exmoor National Park and its impact on the park’s ‘Dark Skies’ designation READ MORE: Plans for new petrol station near Minehead to include Costa and convenience store READ MORE: Somerset hotel ranked best stay in the South West in new Times guide Councillors accepted there were potential employment benefits with 35 new jobs promised, but felt they were outweighed by the impact of noise, light pollution, and damage to other local businesses. They queried the necessity for the development and its potential adverse effect on Minehead, which already had three fuel stations and numerous food shops and cafes. Councillors said the electric vehicle charging (EV) element of the plans was a minor part of the project as it was mostly about a convenience store and coffee shop. They disputed the developer’s claim that Minehead had limited and inconvenient EV provision, because there were a number of existing centrally located charging points and these encouraged footfall and benefited the community’s economy. Councillors also doubted there would be enough demand for a new EV hub as there were already several sites within a minute’s drive which had little-used chargers, and raised its ‘negative impact on fragile, isolated, local economies’. It was pointed out the site was 165 feet outside Minehead’s development boundary and significantly further from the edge of Dunster, in which parish it lay. Town councillors said Forelle Estates was inaccurately claiming a nearby veterinary development had set a precedent for development in that part of the countryside when it had actually been an upgrade or rebuild of pre-existing barns, and the business was clearly offering agricultural support. Similarly, they said claims that Minehead Barbarians Rugby Club had pitches within the national park were misleading, because it was a seldom-used training ground and the club itself was outside the park boundary. The committee recognised the local plan could be interpreted as allowing development in open countryside in exceptional circumstances, but did not see any circumstances with the petrol station and EV hub which could be said to be ‘exceptional’. The planning committee also heard public concerns covering the issues of noise, light pollution, the suitability of the proposed access road and the likely need to upgrade the A39 roundabout, existing congestion on the roundabout, particularly on Butlin’s changeover days, Dunster Show, and rugby events, visual impact, flooding, and a clash with the local character of the area. The planning application will eventually be determined by Somerset Council, which has already received more than 60 letters of objection from local people. Tel: 01984 632731 [email protected]Follow us MYSTERY surrounds the release into the wild of dozens of battery hens on North Hill, Minehead. Nearly 100 abandoned chickens were spotted on Saturday at the roadside in an area known as ‘The Triangle’. A number of local residents then rushed to the area and rounded up as many of the birds as they could, helped by staff from Exmoor National Park Authority. The birds were first spotted by local resident Emma Redman, who posted photographs on social media with a plea to find the owner. Ms Redman said: “I thought they had escaped. “I put it on Facebook for the owner or an experienced person to see, and went off to walk my dogs. “When I returned to my car there were a couple of people helping to catch them. “They were experienced with birds and I left them to it. “I am shocked that anybody would think it appropriate to dump that many chickens up our lovely hill.” Minehead woman Donna Richards said: “I drove up to see if I could help in any way to try and take the hens to safety. “A few concerned members of the public had gathered, one managed to contact the RSPCA but were informed that this is not within the responsibilities of the RSPCA. “So, the group decided to catch as many chickens as possible and put out a plea on social media for people to offer homes to the hens. “Battling the gorse bushes and some very scared chickens, it was a real challenge to catch them. “I managed to rescue 22 and take them to my aviary to temporarily keep them safe with food and water. “I will look for permanent homes for them over the next few weeks. “The hens were very thirsty and had obviously not had access to water for some time. “Sadly, I had to leave huge numbers of the hens on the hill to fend for themselves as I have limited space and already had 10 of my own hens. “The hens will not last long with foxes and dog walkers, no food or drink for very long. “There were no clues as to where the hens came from but the breed is definitely used in large scale egg production farms, so my guess is they are from an egg farm. “This is incredibly sad, and whoever dumped them is unbelievably irresponsible.” Ms Richards said one possibility was that the chickens had been dumped because of fears over the national bird flu, or avian influenza, outbreak ‘which makes the whole thing even more careless’. She said: “So far, the hens are not showing any sign of illness, they are eating well and have been started on a seven day worming treatment.” Along with most of the rest of the country, West Somerset is subject to a Government-imposed avian influenza prevention zone (AIPZ) requiring bird keepers, whether they have pet birds, commercial flocks, or just a few birds in a backyard flock, to take biosecurity and hygiene measures. Tel: 01984 632731 [email protected]Follow us