TOWN councillors in Minehead will be asked on Tuesday (February 25) to sign off a deal which will see Somerset Council hand ownership to them of public green spaces, car parks, cafes, allotments, and other assets.

The devolution package was proposed by the unitary Somerset authority as a way of cutting costs as it battles to avoid being declared bankrupt.

The town council meets on Tuesday to take a final decision after nearly 18 months of negotiations with the county-wide authority.

Town clerk Ben Parker said the assets transfer would take effect on April 1 and the cost for Minehead had already been built into its budget for 2025-26.

However, Mr Parker said the near-£123,000 cost of taking on extra staff and introducing a seven-day rota, and buying a new vehicle and equipment, still needed a formal approval by councillors.

Mr Parker said: “Operational changes will present opportunities to streamline service delivery, enhance maintenance standards, improve response times, and simplify open space management for the wider community.

Ownership of Minehead's Jubilee Gardens cafe is due to transfer from Somerset Council to Minehead town councillors on April 1.
Ownership of Minehead's Jubilee Gardens Cafe is due to transfer from Somerset Council to Minehead town councillors on April 1. (Tindle News)

“Environmental initiatives, such as rewilding, will be integrated into maintenance plans.

“Regular public communication will ensure residents are well-informed about any service changes.”

Mr Parker said grounds maintenance currently involved both town and Somerset staff, which could create ‘operational inefficiencies and public confusion regarding responsibility’.

He said: “This dual-delivery model has led to inconsistent maintenance standards across the town.

“Recent examples demonstrate Minehead Town Council’s (MTC) increasing role in service delivery, such as assuming responsibility for Blenheim Gardens bedding and night-time locking of the gardens when Somerset Council faced service delivery challenges.

“The proposed devolution package includes several significant properties and facilities throughout Minehead.

“The centrepiece of this transfer is Blenheim Gardens, which includes the main gardens, café facility, and North Road car park.

Alexandra Road car park, in Minehead, will become town council property from April.
Alexandra Road car park, in Minehead, will become town council property from April. (Tindle News)

“The parks area encompasses multiple sites, including Parks Walk, Woodcombe Walk, including the old toilet block, and Bratton Park.

“Additional major facilities include Jubilee Gardens with its café, and Alexandra Road car park.

“The transfer also includes numerous open spaces throughout the town.

“These range from Ellicombe open space to smaller but significant areas such as Millbridge Gardens and Cuckoo Meadow play area.

“The package includes partial responsibility for the Esplanade, though this transfer will be on a leasehold basis due to multiple existing landowners.”

Mr Parker said MTC would also take on routine maintenance responsibilities for a number of other areas, including Webbers Garden and the Zig Zag path.

Somerset Council would retain ownership of these assets and remain responsible for long-term maintenance such as tree work and footpath repairs, while the town council would manage their day-to-day upkeep.

Mr Parker said: “MTC’s involvement will ensure these areas remain smart, tidy, and well-maintained, preserving operational standards and the town’s appearance.”

He said there was an opportunity for the town authority to generate income from the car parks and cafes, although car parking enforcement would initially have to be a paid service from the unitary council.