Minehead Bus Shelter Project Update

11th November 2025
Minehead Town Council is delighted to announce that the long-awaited bus shelter project is finally moving from planning to action, with installation starting today (11th November 2025) beginning at the stop in the Avenue.
This project has been a priority for the Town Council for some time, and we have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to keep it on track. From sourcing quotes to maintaining regular dialogue with Somerset Council, we’ve been determined to ensure Minehead gets the improved facilities our community deserves.
The delivery of the shelters is being led by Somerset Council and funded through the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP). While the journey has not been without its frustrations and delays, we are pleased to see tangible progress at last.Mayor Councillor Craig Palmer said:"We know how important these shelters are for residents and visitors alike. It’s been a long process, but today marks a significant step forward. We’re proud to have played a key role in driving this project and look forward to seeing the benefits for our community."
Further installations are scheduled over the coming days, with the aim of completing the project by the end of the week. We appreciate everyone’s patience as work continues. Please be aware that there may be minor disruption at some stops while shelters are being installed. Once complete, these shelters will provide much-needed comfort and protection for passengers, representing a significant improvement to local transport infrastructure.
Minehead Town Council remains committed to championing projects that enhance our town and improve everyday life for residents.

4th November 2025
Minehead Town Council is pleased to report that the long-awaited bus shelter project has seen encouraging progress over the past week and into this one. Productive discussions held last week and continuing into this week have strengthened our confidence that the project is moving closer to delivery.
Minehead Town Council has been actively driving this project behind the scenes for some time. This has included maintaining regular conversations with Somerset Council, helping to shape practical solutions and even sourcing quotes from suppliers to keep things moving. We’ve worked hard to ensure the project stayed on track, and now that key elements are in place, we’re pleased to share this update more widely.
Somerset Council has now confirmed that they will continue to lead on the delivery of the new shelters, funded using Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP) funding, with Minehead Town Council continuing to play an active role in coordinating and supporting the process. This collaborative approach has helped ensure the project stays on track and that the needs of the local community remain central to its delivery.
A preferred supplier and shelter design have been selected, and key preparatory steps are now well underway. Minehead Town Council has worked proactively throughout, ready to step in where necessary to keep progress moving and to help overcome any barriers.Councillor Andy Hadley and Councillor Mandy Chilcott, who represent Minehead Division at Somerset Council, said:
“We are very appreciative of the work that Minehead Town Council has undertaken to help resolve the issue of replacement bus shelters around the town. We know how important these are and, following recent meetings, we are optimistic that a way forward has now been found. We look forward to them being installed.”
The Town Council remains optimistic that the project will reach a positive conclusion very soon. We are grateful to all partners involved for their continued cooperation and to residents for their patience and support as we work to bring these much-needed improvements to Minehead. An image of the new Harrogate-style bus shelters can be viewed below, giving a preview of their design and appearance

Previous Press Statements

New bus shelters for Minehead thanks to Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan - Spring 2025

Somerset Council is working with Minehead Town Council to replace three aging bus shelters in Minehead that have reached the end of their working life.
Thanks to Government funding through Somerset Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan, and as part of a county-wide programme of enhancements, brand new shelters will be installed at the following key locations:
● Bircham Road opposite Brook Street● Bancks Street at the junction with The Parade● The Avenue outside The Cinema
Minehead has been selected as a pilot location for the Council’s new shelters programme. To enable this upgrade, the existing shelters will need to be removed ahead of the arrival of the new structures. Due to necessary lead times for design, manufacture and delivery, there will be a temporary period over the summer during which these bus stops will not have shelters in place.
This is a short-term inconvenience that will lead to a long-term benefit for the town. The new shelters are expected to be installed by early autumn, ahead of the seasonal shift in weather, ensuring that passengers will soon enjoy modern, more comfortable, and weather-protected waiting areas.
This project is a great example of the positive working relationship between Somerset Council and Minehead Town Council. The two authorities have worked closely to bring these improvements to the town, ensuring that local needs are prioritised and that future management of the shelters remains with the community.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Waste Services, said “Our Bus Service Improvement Plan has done very well in attracting vital funding, and improving bus shelters is an important part of making bus travel more attractive and in turn encouraging more people to use the bus.”
Ben Parker, Town Clerk of Minehead Town Council added “We’re delighted to see investment in Minehead’s public transport infrastructure. These new shelters will provide a safer, more comfortable experience for passengers and demonstrate the value of partnership working. Once installed, they will be adopted by Minehead Town Council as part of our wider devolution agreement with Somerset Council, ensuring ongoing local care and stewardship.”