CALLOUS vandals have targeted efforts to 'transform' Minehead's seafront.

Somerset West and Taunton Council has been working to improve the area around the Eastern Esplanade, hoping to finish in time for the summer season.

The work, which forms part of the Enterprising Minehead project, has included landscaping, planting and lighting to make the area more vibrant to create a space with year-round appeal for residents and visitors.

However, over the weekend the culprits snapped a number of the newly planted pine trees which will not be able to recover from the damage. Replacements cannot be planted now until the growing season in September.

Works began in March and are expected to finish for the main summer season. The contractor had adjusted their compound location over the weekend in order that completed sections could be made available for public use, but the vandals took this opportunity to attack the new trees.

The enhancement at the Esplanade is being project managed by Somerset West and Taunton, and steered by Minehead Coastal Communities Team.

Katrina Midgley, chairman of Minehead Coastal Communities Team, said: “The contractors have been working hard to ensure that works will be completed for the main summer season so this vandalism is a huge disappointment. There has been some tremendous community input into this project which we are very grateful for. Despite this setback we are determined that Minehead will have a seafront to be proud of.”