LIBERAL Democrat councillors have promised to make sure that concerns about public services will be addressed as soon as possible.

And, although West Somerset has only 20 of the 59 seats, they pledge that area will be properly represented.

The council’s new leader, Federica Smith-Roberts, said: “Years of mismanagement and the shambles of the merger between the two councils has resulted in a huge cut in services and staff numbers.

“We know that basic customer services and communications need drastic improvement. The public come first and we will do our best to address all concerns.

“We ask for their patience, as we cannot do everything at once.”

Deputy leader Cllr Benet Allen, who represents Minehead’s Periton and Woodcombe ward, said: “We must make sure that a council which sits in Taunton and Williton gives due consideration to Minehead and the whole of the West Somerset region.”

He added: “One of my main campaigns is the introduction of a train service between Minehead and Taunton and I will continue to work with West Somerset Railway and Minehead Rail Link Group to move this forward.

“I also hope to have some good news about the Blenheim Gardens Café before long.”

Cllr Smith-Roberts said the Lib-Dems planned to work with councillors of all parties and Independents to meet the crises facing the new council.

“We must confront the climate emergency, acting locally while thinking globally, working with the county council to offer residents better public transport and cleaner air, encouraging electric cars, and building on the cross-party agreement to make our council carbon neutral,” she said.

Lib Dem parliamentary candidate Gideon Amos said: “With a new team on the council and a great leader in Federica, I know that they are determined to work closely with the community to tackle head-on the challenges of the local economy and climate change.

“Let’s all work together to make real achievements happen.”