SIX roadshows to give West Somerset residents the chance to air their views on the council’s proposed merger with Taunton Deane will roll into action on Thursday (January 12).

The roadshows, which will continue until January 26, provide the chance to talk to representatives of the two authorities.

First stop is Watchet Phoenix Centre on Thursday and the last is at Wiveliscombe Community Centre on January 26, both sessions running from 10am to 3pm.

The roadshow will call at Dulverton Library on Tuesday, January 17, from 10am to 1pm and 1.30pm to 3pm, and it will be at The Beach Hotel, Minehead, on Friday, January 20.

The two other ports of call are Wellington Library on January 17 and Taunton on January 19.

A council spokesman said: “The consultation will help inform the Secretary of State’s decision on creating a new council. It is not a referendum or ballot.

“Taunton Deane Borough Council and West Somerset Council have been working together for the past three years and, through joining management and sharing services, have achieved an annual £1.8m of savings.

“Both councils now want to modernise and streamline council services and delivery to achieve significant savings and also propose to create a single new council, covering the current geographical areas of Taunton Deane and West Somerset.”