MINEHEAD’S Maritime Mile launched this week to give the resort a fresh boost designed to attract more visitors in time for the start of the main holiday season.

At an informal ceremony on Tuesday (June 12), Minehead’s deputy mayor Cllr Gail Everett cut the ribbon to open the new attraction.

The £80,000 project will complement the Enterprising Minehead project that has won substantial funding to make the resort the go-to seaside destination by making the most of its traditional appeal as a seaside resort – with a 21st century twist.

The Maritime Mile creates a new heritage interpretation trail, running the length of the seafront to showcase Minehead’s maritime history, myths and legends.

The trail has the central theme of ‘find and follow the shells’ and be way-marked to draw people along the route.

An open-air gabion gallery is being built at the trail’s central point to display images and artefacts from Minehead’s past. There is even an app suitable for Android and iOS devices.

The app features a quiz designed to entice people to walk to the harbour and complete the trail, those presenting correct answers to Minehead Visitor Centre will be eligible to collect a prize.

This feature technology will also link to the new website for visitors, mineheadbay.co.uk, widening Minehead’s appeal as a tourist destination.

The state of the art responsive website has been developed to capitalise on marketing the town as a key destination.

The Minehead Coastal Community Team projects have been developed in collaboration with Minehead Museum, Minehead Development Trust, and Butlin’s.

Cllr Andrew Hadley said: “The Maritime Mile showcases Minehead’s history and heritage and is a great new feature to enhance what we can now offer our visitors – and encourage more people to enjoy Minehead.”

Katrina Midgley, who chairs Minehead Coastal Community Team, added: “This is the first in a series of enhancements to Minehead’s Esplanade, aimed at attracting local people and tourists to enjoy our seafront.

"I am delighted to see the work of Minehead Coastal Community Team coming to life. I would like to thank everyone who has been instrumental in making this happen.”

Minehead town Cllr Roger Thomas added: “I know there has been some scepticism but I hope people will see the benefits.

“The gabions are not too overpowering and look quite attractive.”