ELEVEN market towns in South Somerset will receive funding to improve the appearance of their town centres.

South Somerset District Council (SSDC) created the Market Towns Investment Group (MTIG) in 2006.

The group was set up to “encourage better, more constructive community planning”, so towns could work with partners on essential improvements.

A range of new projects for the eleven towns has been proposed and agreed by SSDC.

Jason Baker, chairman of the MTIG said: “Working together within the district means that it becomes more feasible to deal with common issues that otherwise would not be addressed.

“The projects that have been approved/that are to be approved will help create sustainable and friendly market towns across South Somerset.

“We are pleased to be able to support the market towns with not only their recovery but to allow them to continue serving their communities.”

The projects will be match funded by the town and parish councils, which means £439,988 of grant funding will be given.

The following projects have been approved:

n Bruton - Station Road car park will be revamped with a more permeable road surface and electric vehicle charging points.

n Castle Cary - Market House Project Phase 1: refurbishment of the upper floor of the Market House including a kitchen.

n Chard - Street furniture and public realm improvements.

There will be new signage, Christmas lights and CCTV will be installed in the Boden Street area.

n Crewkerne - Refurbishment of the public toilets in Falkland Square and some new Christmas lights.

n Ilminster - An existing path leading to the town’s recreation ground will be regraded to allow pushchair and wheelchair users to access the amenities more easily.

n Langport - Langport River Project marketing and health & safety enhancements.

n Martock - CCTV and Wi-Fi will be provided at the recreation ground and other areas in Martock, along with new benches and picnic tables and a memorial stone and plaque in the Remembrance Wood.

n Milborne Port - Resurfacing of the entrance to the allotments and the renewal of the existing footpaths through the churchyard of St John the Evangelist church.

n Somerton - Improvements to the public facilities in the town centre.

n South Petherton - Improvements to Lightgate Lane Recreation Ground, the Memorial Garden and the St James Street area.

n Wincanton - Skate Park and MUGA LED lighting installed.