PUBLIC feedback is being sought on proposed new boundaries for unitary council divisions across West Somerset and Exmoor.

The Local Government Boundary Commission for England (LGBCE) is redrawing the electoral map to cut the number of councillors from 110 to 96 for the 2027 elections.

It wants to axe council wards such as Exmoor and Minehead which have two councillors and instead have single-member divisions.

The commission has proposed splitting Minehead and the Somerset part of Exmoor National Park into two divisions each, with Exmoor East and Brendon Hills including Dunster and neighbouring villages.

Watchet and Williton will share a division separated from the northern Quantock Hills, and Hinkley Point C nuclear power station will be sited in a new Quantock Vale division.

Now, the commission is running a consultation until August 11 asking for people’s opinions on its proposals

LGCBE chairman Professor Colin Mellors said: “We want people in Somerset to help us.

“We have drawn up proposals for new divisions in Somerset Council.

“We want to make sure these new electoral arrangements reflect communities.

“We also want them to be easy to understand and convenient for local people.

“Residents and local organisations can help us do that.

“We would like them to let us know whether they agree with our proposals before we take final decisions.”

Final recommendations will be published in December and then laid before Parliament for approval in the spring of next year.

LGBCE is an independent body accountable to Parliament, which recommends fair electoral and boundary arrangements for local authorities in England with the aim that each councillor represents a similar number of electors.

The consultation can be found on the commission’s website and feedback can also be submitted by emailing [email protected] or in writing to The Review Officer (Somerset), LGBCE, 7th Floor, 3 Bunhill Row, London, EC1Y 8YZ.