IMPORTANT historical sites across Somerset will be cared for by the Somerset Heritage Service, which is soon to become part of the South West Heritage Trust.

Glass Cone in Bridgwater is one of eight heritage sites owned by Somerset County Council to be leased to the newly-formed South West Heritage Trust, which will now take on management of the sites.

Deputy leader of Somerset County Council, Cllr David Hall, said: “The leasing of these sites presents a great opportunity for them to be managed, interpreted and presented to the public in the best way.

“We are delighted to be working with the new trust to ensure that the sites are protected for future generations.”

South West Heritage Trust chief executive Tom Mayberry, told the Bridgwater Mercury: “We will be working with local groups to interpret and manage the sites, and feel privileged to be taking responsibility for them.

“They are very important to Somerset and offer a great opportunity for people to discover more about the county’s rich heritage.”