Conservative councillors have strongly condemned the potential closure of the social care training facility in Minehead, calling it a “colossal mistake” that would seriously harm the local community.
Somerset Council’s executive committee recently approved a plan to establish a new health and social care academy in Bridgwater, at the former community hospital on Salmon Parade, in partnership with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. Supported by a £19.7 million grant from the levelling up fund awarded in early 2023, the project also launched a satellite training site in Minehead near the town’s police station.
However, council officers disclosed at the meeting that the Minehead facility may face closure due to low uptake in training programs. Opposition councillors argue that shutting the site would be a significant blow to west Somerset, effectively signaling local authorities are “giving up” on the region.
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Councillor Frances Nicholson (Conservative, Dulverton and Exmoor) expressed her concerns during the debate, highlighting the importance of regeneration efforts in west Somerset and pointing out the strong need for carers in an area with an aging population. She warned the vague reference to a ‘network’ in the business case might mean shifting training online, which risks excluding residents who face travel barriers.
The council’s head of regeneration, Lara Bell, explained that while the refurbished Seahorse Centre in Minehead has provided training, its long-term viability is in question due to difficulties participants have faced reaching the location. She noted that without sustainable demand, continuing the facility there is unfeasible.
Transport challenges exacerbate the problem: Minehead lacks a direct bus connection to Bridgwater and has no mainline railway access, relying instead on a limited heritage railway operating seasonally.
Councillor Nicholson stressed that without accessible training nearby, staff shortages in care services could worsen. “If getting to Minehead is tough, traveling further to Bridgwater will be even less viable for trainees,” she said.
Council Chief Executive Duncan Sharkey denied that the closure implies abandoning west Somerset but emphasized the need to be financially responsible. “We tried this model, and if it hasn’t worked for people or the council, we need to stop and explore alternative approaches,” he stated.
Portfolio holder Councillor Sarah Wakefield acknowledged budget constraints but promised efforts to facilitate access, including online training options and transport support where necessary.
Conservative opposition leader Councillor Diogo Rodrigues called the potential closure “a colossal mistake,” stressing that local training facilities are essential to attract health and social care workers to the area.
Tiverton and Minehead MP Rachel Gilmour, a long-standing advocate for improved health services in west Somerset, has opened dialogue with the council for urgent discussions. Her office emphasized the importance of properly supported social care training and pledged to collaborate with all stakeholders to improve the situation in Minehead.