Tour of Britain cycle race heads for West Somerset and Exmoor

WEST Somerset is to host part of this year’s Tour of Britain blue riband cycle race for the first time, as some of the world’s top cyclists compete in a stage which takes them through the district.
The terrain of Exmoor National Park and the Quantock Hills will provide competitors with some tough challenges.
The riders will pass through Williton, Dunster, Minehead, Porlock, Lynmouth, Simonsbath, Exford, and Wheddon Cross before reaching the stage finish in Taunton.
The Tour of Britain starts on Sunday, September 9, and reaches West Somerset on Tuesday, September 11.
The South West stage is being hosted by Somerset County Council, which has secured a stage of the tour for five years from 2007.
The council is confident the race will bring substantial economic benefits and a tourism boost to the county.
The Tour of Britain is Britain’s leading professional cycle race and biggest live sporting event and is free to watch.
Tour of Britain activities are planned to take place in Somerset throughout the summer, including a triathlon for schools at Millfield School, in Street, and a cycling exhibition at the Somerset County Museum, in Taunton.
Details of the Somerset route were unveiled at a ceremony in the Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovilton, where guests were treated to a visual spectacle by RNAS service personnel from 864 Squadron.
After flying in by Sea King helicopter, they presented museum staff with a £2,500 bicycle given by Tri UK and Fisher Outdoor for a competition at the exhibition.
County economic development portfolio holder Councillor Paul Buchanan said: “We are determined that the South West stage of the Tour of Britain will be the best ever.
“It will be an exciting event for Somerset, and not to be missed.
“The route will showcase the county, with television coverage on the BBC, and will give us an opportunity to show the world what a perfect setting Somerset is for cycling and outdoor activity breaks.”
The Tour of Britain South West stage is supported by the Somerset Strategic Partnership, Somerset Rural Renaissance Partnership, Exmoor National Park Sustainable Development Fund, Active Exmoor, and Fleet Air Arm Museum.
Information about the route of the race, images and logos can be accessed and downloaded at www.tourofbritain.co.uk/media/downloads/index.asp

• Our photographs show (top) county heritage officer Tom Mayberry (left) with Richard Wallis of Tri UK, and (middle) RNAS service personnel from 864 Squadron delivering a competition prize bicycle by Sea King helicopter for the Somerset County Museum exhibition ‘On Yer Bike’, which is due to start on June 30. Photos submitted.

Public opinions sought on Seaward Way development plans

AN informal information evening is being held on January 17 to give local residents an opportunity to have their say on a proposed of health and well-being development planned for a site off Seaward Way, in Minehead.
The proposed development includes a £24 million replacement for Minehead Hospital and a leisure centre which will encompass a replacement for the Aquasplash swimming pool as well as a range of other health facilities, plus business services, and some housing for local people.
The information evening is open to the public and takes place from 5 pm to 7:30 pm in the West Somerset Community College.
The public meeting is being arranged in order to inform local residents about the current proposal for the site and to consult on the leisure facilities which should be included in the proposed learning and leisure centre.
The evening will include full graphic displays demonstrating all aspects of the project, known as New Horizons, and the project steering group members will ask attendees about the specific facilities they want to see in the new leisure centre.
Evidence gathered at the information evening will help to influence future design proposals.
A strong attendance will also help to demonstrate local support for the project, which is critical for the securing the remainder of the funding for the project.
District council leader, Councillor Christine Lawrence, said: “This ambitious project is all about positive partnerships.
“It will demonstrate the power of effective partnership working between organisations coupled with the positive partnership forged with local people interested in securing first-class health, learning, and leisure facilities for the residents of West Somerset.
“We actively encourage everybody to attend this meeting because it is their opportunity to see what we are offering, and their chance to influence this development to ensure that it meets the needs of the whole community.”
Community college principal Nick Swann said: “Local people, including college staff, have worked for years to secure this groundbreaking project.
“Close community involvement will continue to be essential to its success. We welcome all local people who would like to give their views on the proposals.”
Minehead ward county Councillor Ian Galloway said: “This meeting will explain the exciting developments that we hope to bring to the site and will give local people a chance to have their say.
“That is absolutely vital in this project and we need to have facilities that meet the requirements of local people.”
County council portfolio holder for economic development, Councillor Paul Buchanan, said: “Engaging the public is an absolute priority for Somerset County Council with regards to this project.
“Demonstrable public support will have a positive effect on gaining future project-critical funding streams, so I hope many people turn out to have their say and influence the future of the Seaward Way site.”
New Horizons is a partnership between West Somerset Council, Somerset County Council, Somerset Primary Care Trust, and the West Somerset Community College.

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.”