JGP News

The campaign to prevent the formation of a unitary Somerset council stepped up a gear this week, as district council leaders launched two major petitions.

Via the 10 Downing Street website, anyone can make their voice heard by signing an official internet-based petition rejecting "proposals to create a single unitary ’super-size’ council in Somerset".

Signatories confirm they agree with the sentiment expressed on the government’s petitions site that the county-wide plans would damage local democracy, hinder the provision of local services and weaken the local economy.

In shops, offices and other popular places across the county, hard copies of the petition are also being made available for locals to sign.

"We have little more than ten weeks to persuade the government that the county council’s plans for a mammoth single council covering the whole of Somerset would be more expensive, more bureaucratic and more remote," said councilor Christine Lawrence, leader of West Somerset council.

"Following the national success of the anti-road pricing petition we hope that at a local level we can achieve similar success in Somerset.

"The most recent opinion poll showed the people of Somerset oppose the idea by more than three to one. By signing these petitions and showing they oppose the county council’s ideas residents of Somerset can demonstrate true ‘people power’," she added.

Since plans for a unitary council were announced earlier this year, the concept has come under intense scrutiny.