THE 80th anniversary of D-Day was commemorated by events held in communities across West Somerset last week - except in Minehead.

Councillors in parishes from one end of the district to the other organised touching tributes to recognise the sacrifices of the soldiers who fell on the beaches of Normandy and the heroics of those who went on to defeat Nazi Germany in the Second World War.

But Minehead town councillors were left to face a blitz of criticism from residents when they discovered no official events were being organised.

A social media post on the issue attracted nearly 200 comments expressing ‘outrage’ and ‘disgust’ that Minehead had remained silent.

One resident said: “The council should have shown some respect by marking such a special day in some way.

“Many people in Minehead thought it was disgraceful.”

A town council spokesperson acknowledged the concerns and said councillors understood the significance of the historical event and the importance of honouring the sacrifices made.

They said a community and events advisory group had recently been set up to ensure better planning and execution for future events.

The group would work in co-operation with local organisations to plan and prepare for local and national events.

The spokesperson said: “While we aimed to decorate the town with bunting and flags, as we have done in previous years for events such as the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the King’s Coronation, the deterioration of the stored materials and the long lead times for ordering new ones made it challenging to have them ready in time for the D-Day anniversary this year.

“The council is committed to assist in properly commemorating important events and recognising their significance.

“We would like to encourage all residents and groups to share their thoughts and suggestions with us regarding how we can appropriately commemorate events in 2025 and beyond.

“Your input and ideas are invaluable in helping us create meaningful and respectful celebrations that bring our community together.”

Ideas can be shared with the town council by emailing [email protected].

Elsewhere, Watchet held a service of remembrance at the war memorial with wreaths laid by mayor and Royal British Legion (RBL) branch chairman Cllr Loretta Whetlor, town Cllr Martin Brake, and former Royal Marine Richard Overall on behalf of the legion.

The service was led by legion padre Deacon Vincent Woods, the legion’s standard bearer was Gary Hall, and the bugle was played by Alan Radford, of the West Somerset Brass Band.

Members of Watchet Sea Scouts also attended, and town crier Dave Milton read the names of the fallen, three of whom died in the D-Day landings, and at 9.15pm rang the crier’s bell simultaneously with others across the country.

Neighbouring Williton held a service in the morning, followed by a cream tea in the afternoon, and mustering in the evening for a beacon lighting at 9.15pm.

Dulverton RBL marked the 80th anniversary by hosting a special screening in the Town Hall of the classic film The Longest Day, depicting the D-Day landings.