A SWIMMING pool, ice rink and the future of the football club were among topics discussed by a new working group reviewing Minehead’s sporting facilities.

The new group comprising representatives from Minehead Town Council, the Minehead Swimming Pool CIC, SASP, GLL and Minehead Connect met at the Old Hospital for the first time on Thursday September 13.

The focus was on how to improve and develop the towns’ sporting facilities for the good of the community.

Swimming facilities, the football club, field sports, indoor and outdoor gymnasium provisions and even an ice rink were all discussed, leading to agreement that a town-wide long term strategic plan is desperately needed. 

Bill Howard, who had the idea to bring the stakeholders together, said: “The group now plans to start an across the board review of what facilities the town already has, expose all areas where the town is disadvantaged and determine how to improve what the town has to offer, in a fully integrated and collaborative way. 

“In time this will create a set of realistically achievable, attractive and sustainable facilities.”

A range of options, including a swimming pool and ice rink with associated sports and fitness facilities are to be considered at various locations around the town, out of which a shortlist of facilities will be tested and financially modelled for viability and sustainability.

Mr Howard said: “In time, the project will require more public input into clearly what could become one of the most exciting and important community projects for a very, very long time.”

Peter Wellstood, chairman of the Minehead Swimming Pool CIC, said:“We are grateful to Bill Howard for his initiative to bring all the major players together which is essential to achieve the very best for our community. 

“The Working Group will help us resolve issues which have proven to be a stumbling block.”

At Minehead Town Council’s environment and amenities committee on Tuesday night, temporary town clerk Brian Howe said big decisions about the new Community Hall and Minehead Football Clubhouse on Irnham Road recreation ground would be made in the coming months.

“We’ve spoken to the architect who says the plan is for work to start in January, to be completed in July 2019,” Mr Howe said.

Mr Howe said the project had evolved from initial plans focussing on the football club, to a Community Hall and venue.

He said the football club are only expected to be using the new building 20 per cent of the time - various clubs, fitness classes and other activities are expected to be using the hall the rest of the time.