Planning application for Seaward Way hospital, housing, and leisure development

AN outline planning application is being submitted for a £26 million range of health and well-being facilities off Seaward Way, Minehead.
The project, known as New Horizons, is intended to replace Minehead Hospital and the Aquasplash leisure pool, plus provide additional health and learning facilities.
It is a partnership between West Somerset Council, Somerset County Council, Somerset Primary Care Trust, and the West Somerset Community College.
Outline planning permission is now needed to allow the New Horizons steering group to apply to a range of authorities for funding streams which will be vital to the success of the project.
The plans allow for:

• A new Minehead Community Hospital to be built above the flood plain
• A sports and leisure complex to be shared by residents and West Somerset Community College
• A Skills and Enterprise Centre
• Housing for local people
• Commercial facilities for health and well-being related businesses

The planning application is expected to be considered by district council planning committee members early in the New Year.
The project concept plans will be made available for public inspection and comment.
West Somerset Council leader, Councillor Christine Lawrence, said: “I am delighted that our long-term support and hard work to get this project off the ground is finally coming to fruition.
“We will continue to work hard to secure first-class, modern health, welfare, and educational facilities for residents in West Somerset.
“With local support, these plans will underpin the development of healthy, sustainable communities and encourage economic growth in the area.”
Jan Hull, interim chief executive of Somerset Primary Care Trust, said: “This outline planning application is the next step forward in this exciting project.
“It is particularly pleasing to see the way that all organisations involved are working together to seek ways of progressing the New Horizons facilities.”
County council portfolio holder for economic development, Councillor Paul Buchanan, said: “This is a complex project where the partners will face big challenges to deliver favourable outcomes for the health and well-being of local residents.
“The county council is committed to engaging with local residents, interest groups, and other stakeholders throughout this project so we can develop the best package for the people of West Somerset.”

Town centre market opens in Minehead

THE first of the weekly produce markets in Minehead town centre was held on Friday, November 17, when members of the West Somerset Farmers Market set up stalls along the southern side of the Parade.
Despite the persistent rain which fell during the morning, there was a steady flow of people keen to try out the variety of stalls and the produce they were offering.
The market has been backed by West Somerset Council as part of its work to help support and regenerate the town centre economy.
Council economic development and business liaison portfolio holder Councillor Nick Messarra was instrumental in implementing the market initiative.
The council is also helping a similar weekly market to start in Watchet, where a site on The Esplanade has been reserved for it.
Councillor Messarra said: “There is a strong demand for fresh, local produce countrywide and we are delighted to be able to help move the market into the heart of Minehead to give local people the opportunity to make the most of our own fantastic local produce.
“We are hoping the market will bring people into town from the surrounding villages as well as providing a focal point for tourists and, with sales profits going straight to local producers, we are sure it will help boost West Somerset’s economy.”
The council is advising residents and road users that the topmost section of the southern side of The Parade - from Bancks Street to Friday Street - will be closed from 6.30 am – 4 pm on market days to allow traders time to set up and dismantle the market, which will be open from 8.30 am - 2.30 pm.
Council market towns regeneration officer Pete Vallance said: “We have been working with the police, highways agency, and public transport providers to ensure effective diversions are in place to minimise disruption.
“We will continually review these arrangements and the whole market trial will be reviewed next Easter.
“This market, combined with the market planned for Watchet Esplanade, will provide a great service to local people and also help ensure that our town centre regeneration projects contribute to local agricultural and rural economic sustainability targets.
“We hope people in West Somerset give the markets their full support.”

• Our photograph of the market shows (left to right) Councillor Nick Messarra, Pete Vallance, and Roger Webber, of Hindon Organic Farm, who is one of the market stallholders. Photo by Mark the Photographer, ref M1117005. Order photo reprints online at www.tcpbymtp.co.uk

SLINKY bus comes to West Somerset

WEST Somerset residents can now make use of the SLINKY bus on demand door-to-door transport service.
The distinctive silver buses operate without a fixed route for people who do not have access to a regular bus service or a private car.
Passengers book in advance and are picked up from their homes.
Somerset County Council portfolio holder for transport, Councillor Tony Shire, said: “We are delighted to be able to extend the SLINKY bus’s coverage.
“The service is already a hit with people in Taunton and Wellington and has really helped people spread their wings and be more independent.
“It is amazing the number of rural people who say the service has changed their lives.
“They do not have to rely on their children or neighbours to get out and about any more.
“There is also the comfort factor. Elderly people get to know a regular driver who will help them on and off. Passengers get that little bit more than with a regular bus service.”
SLINKY is available to anybody who does not have access to transport for a journey - but if there is a public bus running that can be used by the passenger, or if they have access to their own transport, then the SLINKY is not suitable.
Buses operate Monday to Saturday, excluding public holidays, and provide wheelchair access, space for shopping, mobility equipment, and prams, and there are concessionary fares to travel pass holders on the same basis as public transport.
The new bus service is part-funded through the Local Transport Plan, the county council's five-year transport and road improvement plan.
The booking line is 01643 707090 and is open 9 am to 4 pm from Monday to Friday, and on Saturday from 9 am to 12 noon.

• Photo shows one of the distinctive SLINKY Bus fleet. Photo submitted.

Active living in Alcombe

THE second of West Somerset’s Active Living Centres has been opened in Alcombe Methodist Church Hall by the Mayor of Minehead, Councillor Ann Foxhuntley. Another centre – the first in the whole of the county – has been running in Washford for the past few weeks. The programme locally has been led by Somerset County Council and West Somerset Council and developed through Age Concern Somerset. In Alcombe, the opening session featured a healthy cooking demonstration and free lunch for the area’s over-50s, marking the start of a journey towards developing a greater range of opportunities for active living in West Somerset. There was also an opportunity to experience a holistic massage taster session and a Tai Chi demonstration. Information about Somerset Active Living was available and attendees were able to suggest other activities they would like to see provided in the future. Fifty Active Living Centres will be established across Somerset by 2008, operating locally from suitable venues on a drop-in basis. Local communities will lead the development of the centres, with the support of Partnerships for Older People (POPP), which also includes Somerset Primary Care Trust, support services, and a range of voluntary and community organisations. The Active Living Centres aim to regularly provide activities, advice, learning opportunities, and events which will promote active living and improve well-being of members of the community aged 50 and older. Minehead’s county Councillor Ian Galloway said: “I am very supportive of this project, which will offer Alcombe’s older people a chance to really enjoy themselves and maintain an active level of fitness and relaxation.” West Somerset Council’s portfolio holder for housing, health and welfare, Councillor Mary Crowley, said: “We welcome these new centres because as well as giving older local people support and advice on health and welfare matters, they also provide an excellent social environment for local people to meet and discuss issues that affect them.” Volunteers from the local community are needed to help make the centres successful by supporting activities and events. Anybody who wants to help or would like to see a similar initiative in their community or who wants more information should contact Alison Tanton, POPP officer for West Somerset, at Age Concern, on 01398 323826 or at alison.tanton@ageconcernsomerset.org.uk.