Somerset Parish Merger Abandoned After Local Opposition
Proposals to merge the rapidly expanding Somerset town of Castle Cary with its neighbouring parish of Ansford have been formally abandoned following a lack of sufficient backing from local residents. The decision comes after Somerset Council's governance review revealed only 35.3 per cent of Ansford residents supported the merger plans.
Governance Review and Public Consultation
The council initiated a governance review in late-2025 after local councillor Henry Hobhouse submitted a petition highlighting outdated parish boundaries. One boundary line was found to run directly through the middle of a residential dwelling, demonstrating the need for administrative updates. The review findings were presented to the council's constitution and governance committee in Taunton on February 5.
Steven Lake, the council's electoral services manager, stated in his written report: "The consultation demonstrates that there is insufficient support from both communities to proceed with the proposals to merge the two parishes." While overall approval for the merger stood at 53.6 per cent, the critical factor was Ansford's low approval rate of 35.3 per cent.
Boundary Adjustments Instead of Merger
Despite rejecting the full merger, the committee approved several minor boundary adjustments to create clearer administrative divisions. These modifications include shifting the Crown Pet Foods factory entirely into Castle Cary parish, where the boundary currently bisects the main building. Additionally, properties at 57 to 67 Churchfield Drive will be relocated into Ansford parish.
Castle Cary currently has 1,883 individuals on the electoral register, compared to Ansford's 1,174. The council acknowledged there is "sufficient evidence to review the administrative boundaries to ensure that there are clear, definitive boundaries between the two communities."
Local Voices and Community Identity
Summer Easeman, a disabled mother and the youngest member of Ansford Parish Council, warned that merging the parishes would "silence a vital local voice" at a crucial time for local democracy. She highlighted practical achievements like securing three zebra crossings through evidence-based collaboration with Somerset Council and developers.
"That's not abstract policy; that's safer routes for children, older residents, disabled people, and families," Easeman emphasized. "It's exactly the kind of practical, community-driven outcome that only a functioning parish council can deliver."
Fellow Ansford resident Fiona Houlton pointed out significant differences between this proposal and the planned merger of Langport and Huish Episcopi. "Ansford is getting younger, with significant numbers of new housing and many families moving in," she explained. "Proceeding now would create a long-term legitimacy problem by acting against the views of the very residents who will shape the parish's future."
Alternative Perspectives and Committee Decision
Castle Cary resident Simon Bebbington offered a contrasting view, suggesting that uniting the two councils would simplify obtaining new facilities from property developers. "Our larger voice carries more weight when bidding for National Lottery funding, developer contributions, or government grants," he reasoned.
Trevor Oats, chairman of Castle Cary Town Council, added: "I can see great merit in the formation of a new council to move forward and start to focus on the needs and wants of everyone."
Councillor Tim Kerley described the situation as a textbook case where public opinion must be honored despite professional evaluations. "The difference here is the local population haven't been taken with the argument, and I think we have to respect that," he stated.
Following less than half an hour of discussion, the committee voted against proceeding with the merger, opting instead for the boundary adjustments while maintaining both parishes' individual identities.
