THE Government yesterday (Thursday) gave the green light to a new district council covering West Somerset and Taunton Deane.

Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, told the two councils of his intention to allow the proposal to go forward, subject to a period of further representation until January 19 and Parliamentary approval.

He said he was satisfied that:

n The proposal is likely to improve local government in the area concerned.

n The proposal commands local support, in particular that the merger is proposed by all councils which are to be merged and there is evidence of a good deal of local support.

n The proposed merged area is a credible geography, consisting of two or more existing local government areas that are adjacent, and which, if established, would not pose an obstacle to locally-led proposals for authorities to combine to serve their communities better and would facilitate joint working between local authorities.

Mr Javid said: “Before I take my final decisions on these proposed mergers, there will now be a period until January 19 during which those interested may make further representations to me, including that if a proposal is implemented it is with suggested modifications.

“The final decisions would also be subject to Parliamentary approval.”

In a joint statement issued as the Free Press was going to press yesterday, the two councils’ leaders – Cllrs John Williams (Taunton Deane) and Anthony Trollope-Bellew (West Somerset) - said: "This new council will make sure we can continue to deliver the services that our residents value, and allowing us to focus on boosting our economy, supporting the delivery of Hinkley Point C new nuclear power station and fully embracing the opportunity afforded by Garden Town status awarded to Taunton.

“We must also build on great natural assets that exist – Exmoor National Park, the coastline, Quantock and Blackdown Hills and the Somerset Levels.”

They added: “There is much that needs to be done. We have to start making definitive plans that will make sure that a new council can be ready for business in May 2019, following local elections.

“Of course we cannot pre-empt the final decision but we must make sure we can continue to serve the people of Taunton Deane and West Somerset in the future.”