Minehead ice rink on the cards (From Somerset County Gazette)
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Minehead ice rink on the cards
4:00pm Thursday 27th September 2012 in News
By Hannah Green
Mayor of Minehead, Cllr Tony Berry, backs the plans.
IF you overdo it at Christmas, you might be able to work off the excess pounds in the New Year on an open-air ice rink.
The skating rink at the Family Winter Festival in February is one of several ideas on a £20,000 ‘shopping list’ aimed at boosting Minehead.
As well as the rink, the cash could also be spent on a Home Design Exhibition in February, a spring festival in May and a celebration of the town’s maritime history at the Old Harbour Festival in June.
There could also be backing for Minehead Walking Festival, Summer Holiday Town Music, Summer Festival and the Butlin’s-funded fireworks display in November.
The windfall cash has come from a £10,000 Government grant following an unsuccessful bid for Portas Fund money and a similar amount from the Seaside Strategy Fund for a rolling events programme.
Minehead Events Group will coordinate the project, supporting and promoting both existing and new events.
Cllr David Sanders, West Somerset Council’s cabinet lead for economic regeneration and tourism, said: “It’s great news that Minehead is being recognised in this way.
“I believe this initiative will provide an important boost for the town in promoting what it has to offer. I think it is the right sort of initiative that is needed for Minehead at this time and will reinforce the good work already being undertaken by people in the town.”
Minehead Town Council could be asked to contribute some funding.
Mayor Cllr Tony Berry said: “I think it’s just what the town needs. If we can put some more events on to attract people to Minehead, hopefully traders will benefit.
“People have already approached me to say they support the idea of having an ice rink in Wellington Square. It would probably happen in the New Year when Christmas trade has died down.
“Minehead Town Council is trying to help where we can, but I don't know how much money or what we would be able to give yet.
“We want everyone who organises events in the town now to be involved.
“We haven't promoted the town for some time so it is vital to tell people about what Minehead has to offer.
“These are exciting times ahead for all of us.”
