Minehead visitor centre seeks new owners

The centre provides information about attractions across West Somerset and Exmoor

New owners are being sought for a visitor information centre in Somerset.

At present the centre in Minehead is run by West Somerset Council but the authority has said it can no longer afford to run it.

Corporate director Bruce Lang said the council was finding it "increasingly difficult" to run services outside of its statutory remit.

"However we do appreciate the public and businesses may not want to lose some services," he said.

"With increasing pressure on the public purse, the council is seeking expressions of interest from groups or individuals with a desire to be involved in running these services for the benefit of tourism providers across the whole district," Mr Lang added.

Minehead's visitor information centre is based in a building on the sea front but the council, which the Conservatives won control of in last week's election, has indicated the service could be operated from other premises.

The centre, which provides information on accommodation and attractions across West Somerset and Exmoor, was built using European money in 2008.

Interested parties have until 17 June to submit their applications.