TWO potential sites have been identified by Minehead Swimming and Leisure (MSL) for a new public pool.

Town councillors were told by MSL representatives Emma Child and Cath Grant they were hoping shortly to receive ‘pre-planning advice’ from Somerset Council on what might be possible at the two locations.

They said the authority had been asked to waive its planning advice fees, which could otherwise cost between £1,000 and £2,000 per site.

Town councillors were asked if they could help encourage Somerset Council to consider the fee waiver.

MSL was formed in 2020 with an aim to have a public 25-metre indoor swimming pool open in Minehead by 2029.

The pool would serve a catchment area of about 27,000 people and has already received support from MP Rachel Gilmour and local GP surgeries.

MSL’s annual meeting in January will receive an update on the project, for which a £1 public share scheme was launched last summer.