A LOCAL developer has donated £1,000 to Ilminster Town Council, continuing the council's mission to keep a local nature reserve clean.

The contribution was made by Persimmon Homes South West after the council's application to its Community Champions fund was successful.

The £1,000 cheque was handed over to mayor Leanne Taylor at the Market House in late February.

Somerset Councillor Sue Osborne also attended the ceremony.

The grant will facilitate the installation of five new replacement dog bins within the popular Herne Hill Nature Reserve, an area which is located close to the proposed Persimmon building site in Ilminster.

With plans to create a cleaner, safer environment for everyone to enjoy, Persimmon Homes South West has recently secured outline planning permission to erect 400 new homes south of Canal Way.

This location situates the proposed new builds near The Meadows doctors’ surgery.

Notably, the plans boast a zero-carbon ready design powered by modern technologies such as air source heat pumps, solar panels and electric vehicle charging points.

Persimmon Homes South West sales director Stacey Harris said: "Persimmon is very happy to support Ilminster Town Council with its ambitions to keep their beautiful nature reserve green and tidy, especially with the potential for new, high-quality homes in the town that will help ease the housing pressure in the area."

He added that the developer is "very excited to bring forward our reserved matters application in Ilminster," and "happy to play its part in efforts to preserve the town’s beauty".

In retrospect, Ilminster mayor and town councillor Leanne Taylor noted Herne Hill's popularity among Ilminster’s residents and visitors, with children and dog walkers frequently exploring the area.

Cllr Taylor said: "So, we’re delighted that the Town Council was successful in its application to Persimmon’s Community Champions fund and will look to get the new bins installed as soon as possible."

Cllr Sue Osborne said: "We love our open spaces and want everyone walking through Herne Hill to be able to do so without any mess and litter getting in the way.

"I am delighted that the Town Council can act on the concerns of residents and replace the outdated bins for the benefit of all."