A £40,000 investment is set to help the arts in Mendip.

Mendip District Council (MDC) is hoping to "kickstart" creative industries, and give a "welcome boost" to the struggling sector that has been hard-hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

The monies, which have come from significant savings in reduced travel costs by Council staff and members, will be used to leverage other funds into Mendip from other organisations.

“We are committed to better funding of the creative industries in Mendip – we know their value and must nurture and cherish them," said deputy leader of MDC, Barry O'Leary.

“This one-off saving will be used immediately, to ensure everyone has the opportunity to access and develop their creativity now.

“We want to enable Mendip residents to lead culturally-rich and fulfilling lives and we want to put a smile on all our faces, as lockdown hopefully ends.”

MDC has commissioned research to look at ways it can support and invest in creation organisations across the district. And a 'Creative Mendip' structure and strategy has been developed.

The paper will make its way to cabinet, via scrutiny board, in the coming weeks, and the framework will then be finalised.

Cllr Liz Leyshon added: “The £40k pot is a welcome ‘seed packet’. We plan to make it go a very long way - and we will put that money to work right now.

“There is a vibrant creative scene in Mendip that’s very distinctive and waiting for something like this to happen, following 12 long months of lockdowns, restrictions and no Government financial support for freelancers in the creative industries.”