MINEHEAD has been chosen as one of nine towns in England for a resilience assessment as part of the Portas Town Teams initiative.

Mary Portas, retail expert and television personality, came up with the ‘Portas pilot areas’ to help rejuvenate shopping areas of towns across the country.

Consultants from the Centre for Local Economic Strategies will be coming to Minehead for a week in the New Year.

The consultants will work with local traders, businesses and organisations to identify ways that local commerce can weather economic changes and fluctuations.

Minehead Vision Manager Stephen Hooper said: “We have been very fortunate that our bid won this specialist service and we hope the research and advice will be invaluable for the town.

“As soon as we have the dates for the consultancy we will let everyone know.”

Lucy Ball, from the Association of Town and City Management, said: “We are delighted to support the Minehead Vision Team to deliver their Portas action plan.

“This piece of research work will provide the bedrock on which that plan can be sustainably delivered for the benefit of all Minehead town users.”