The latest industrial developments in a Somerset town ‘should help’ businesses and young people, according to one of the area’s councillors.

Somerset County Council has this week revealed fresh plans to develop Highbridge Enterprise Centre, which would see the industrial centre expand substantially.

The additional building proposed by the council signifies phase two of a development which has seen the creation of both a one-storey and a two-storey building for offices, next to the Isleport recycling centre in Isleport road.

This further development would be for industrial purposes, a plan which pleases Highbridge councillor John Parkes.

He said: “The Highbridge Enterprise Centre meets the need of local small businesses.

“I am interested to see, when it becomes bigger, if it improves local business – I would hope so because I think part of the problem here is trying to develop an infrastructure in Highbridge which suits the skills of local people.

“I am always looking to improve aspirations for young people. We have a lot going on for people my age – and younger – but I question whether we do enough to involve young people.”

Sedgemoor District Council is now inviting comments on the proposals but while Cllr Parkes supports the plan, he feels there are other areas of Highbridge needing attention too.

He added: “I have long been saying Market Street is long overdue development. I strongly suggest money is invested in it.

“If you look at the results of our secondary school, which were outstanding, it is great. But we still need to ask what we can do to help young people and what we have for them here.”