THERE was a new setback for troubled West Somerset Council this week when a final decision on its future was abruptly postponed for three months.

Both West Somerset Council and its partner Taunton Deane Borough Council were due to meet in special session on Tuesday (July 26) to pick one of three possible ways forward – the existing co-operation, a merger or a parting of the ways.

Taunton Deane council announced on Wednesday that it will go ahead with its meeting and intends to recommend that the two authorities merge into one.

But West Somerset leader Cllr Anthony Trollope-Bellew has postponed his council’s verdict until September 7 for private talks with undecided councillors in an effort to get a unanimous decision.

Local MP Ian Liddell-Grainger told the Free Press he was delighted that West Somerset Council had postponed its decision: “I believe that a matter of this magnitude deserves to be put to the people at parish, town and community levels. It may require referendum.

“It should be an opportunity for us to control our destiny, to find new partners and create fresh opportunities for all our futures.”

He urged West Somerset councillors to reject all three options and consider a fourth – one that would involve Sedgemoor District Council.

He said claims that Sedgemoor was “not interested” in West Somerset were untrue, and that no formal approach had been made for any discussion.

“I have spoken directly to the leader of Sedgemoor council who has made it clear that he is very happy to speak to both West Somerset and Taunton Deane,” he said.