A PARCEL of land in Minehead has been identified as a suitable site for a new indoor swimming pool in the town.

The plot at the junction of Bircham Road and Seaward Way would be able to accommodate a leisure facility including a pool.

Somerset County Gazette:

The site where a new indoor pool could be built in Minehead.

Somerset West and Taunton Council's decision to 'hold' the land for the purpose comes 14 years after the former West Somerset Council closure the seaside town's pool.

The joint decision was made by SWT's executive member for assets, Cllr Marcus Kravis, and executive member for sports and leisure, Cllr Derek Perry.

It is a formal mechanism to ensure the land is held, subject to necessary permissions and due process.

Cllr Kravis said: “There has been considerable local interest in the provision of new community swimming facilities in West Somerset for some time and we are committed to doing what we can to help deliver a new pool in Minehead.

“Setting aside suitable council-owned land now will ensure the way is paved for future delivery of a new pool as we prepare to move towards a new council for Somerset.”

The council does not currently have a role in swimming pool delivery in West Somerset.

Cllr Perry said: “There has been considerable local interest in a replacement facility since the closure of the former West Somerset Council swimming pool in Minehead in 2008.

“We are aware that there are aspirations within the community to create an outdoor lido or sea pool in the area.

"Our decision to set aside land for an indoor pool which would provide family friendly, year round temperature-controlled swimming, is supportive of the ambition for swimming in the town.

“As well as addressing the local desire to see a new swimming pool in Minehead, this move is in line with our corporate objective to encourage healthy lifestyles and maximise access to health, sport, recreation and cultural facilities.”