AS we begin 2022, it’s impossible to forget the unprecedented situations and problems which have been caused by the Covid pandemic - and which make us all the more determined to make the New Year better for the people of Minehead, with community improvements that hopefully will eventually help to bring back life to something near normal.

For instance, a scheme, headed by Cllr Toni Bloomfield, aims to install a concrete skate park, and we have plans for improvements to both the allotments sites and the cemetery.

We have compiled a report into all our public parks and open spaces and have been looking at improvements to those areas where necessary. There is new playground equipment bought to go into three of our play parks this spring.

We have set money aside to put together a feasibility study to look into a swimming pool for the community of Minehead and Alcombe.

In the last year we have gained two more fully electric vehicles and are working towards a greener Minehead in many other ways.

The works on Summerland Road toilets are complete and have been open to residents and visitors. We are now looking into installing more adapted toilets for the more disabled, showers and more areas to change.

The council is also preparing and planning for how we move forward when Somerset becomes a unitary authority.

Council seats will be up for election in the coming year and we welcome new faces and look forward to seeing who steps forward to help us serve the community.

We are still promoting the new community building on Irnham Road recreation ground and invite potential new users to come and look around and see a host of improvements.

We are lucky to live in a wonderful community like Minehead and I hope 2022 will continue to see community involvement and help for those who need it. I would also like to say a big thank you to all our staff who have risen to the challenge that Covid-19 has presented to us as a council.