A WORKING group of Minehead town councillors is looking at how to spend nearly £100,000 of money available to them as a result of housing developments.

The money has been paid by developers under legal agreements known as ‘Section 106’ which require contributions to local services to help cope with the pressures created by an influx of new residents.

Town clerk Ben Parker told councillors some of the S106 allocations had expiry dates within the next few years, after which any unspent money would have to be refunded.

Councillors have previously refused to dip into the S106 funds to pay for a shelter and bench outside the sea front railway station for which bus campaigner Linda Sparks has been pressing.

Ms Sparks said the current bus stop did not have any shelter from the weather or anywhere for elderly passengers and those with mobility issues to rest while they waited for a bus.

A former Mayor of Minehead, Tony Berry, has even offered to pay for the cost of a bench for the bus stop out of his own pocket.

Deputy clerk Jo Chapman said discussions with Somerset Council on potential S106-funded projects had indicated the replacement of several benches throughout The Parks would qualify if councillors wanted to do so.

Councillors agreed to form an advisory group to look at available section 106 monies and to explore other potential external funding opportunities.

The group will collate eligible projects within the town and make recommendations to the council’s finance and general purposes committee on how funds could be used.

It will comprise Cllrs Mimi Palmer, Anne Lawton, Ben Jewell, Charlotte Beynon, Mohamed Sharjeel, and Craig Palmer.

It was also suggested a meeting should be organised between Somerset Council officers responsible for S106 allocations and town councillors and staff.