Situated within West Somerset and including some of the coastal parishes, this LCN   as a population of 27,200. There are 21 parishes in total, consisting of the two eponymous principal towns, 16 parish councils and 3 parish meetings.  There are approximately 11,900 households. Four electoral divisions span this Local Community Network: Dunster, Lydeard, Minehead, Watchet and Stogursey, which means it is served by 8 Somerset Councillors.

Whilst the Bristol Channel sits to the north of the LCN , it is bordered by the Exmoor National Park on one side and The Quantock Protected Landscape (formerly known as Outstanding Area of Natural Beauty) to the East. The principal industries in the area are tourism and agriculture, although the Hinkley Point development site with over 10,000 workers sits just over the border in the Dowsborough LCN . The main settlement areas are the small towns of Minehead and Watchet.

Transport links are provided by the A39 and A358 which pass through the LCN area and are essential for the delivery of services, supplies, visitors and commuters. The West Somerset Heritage Railway also serves several of the parishes starting in Minehead and terminating just over the border at Bishops Lydeard.

Yearly Report

• Local Community Network Yearly Report 2023/2024 – Minehead and Watchet (PDF, 1.2MB)

View the full list of upcoming Local Community Network Meetings.