SIR — Your readers may have read about a potential Judicial Review into our proposal to create a single new council for Taunton Deane and West Somerset (Free Press October 28).

We cannot and will not make any detailed comment about the review – for legal reasons – other than suffice to say that we will vigorously defend our position at any and at all stages as we believe both councils have properly followed due process to date.

Our main focus remains on what is best for local people who, over coming weeks, will be given many opportunities to have their say on our proposal.

There will be consultation as to whether people support the idea of a new council or have other ideas.

The councils, at the request of the Secretary of State, will now carry out consultation, the results of which will, as the law requires, inform the Secretary of State’s final decision.

As two councils already working very closely together, we recognise that we have a duty to build a better future for everyone in our areas and to not only maintain but improve the public services we all value and need.

The councils’ view is that the Secretary of State will take into account competing views and other alternatives put forward by objectors.

The Secretary of State will only decide to merge the two councils if he is convinced that merger will help build strong and sustainable local government in this part of Somerset, providing the services you value.

Cllr Anthony Trollope-Bellew,

Leader,

West Somerset Council

Cllr John Williams,

Leader,

Taunton Deane Borough Council