West Bagborough Parish Council

The Parish Council is a fundamental tier of democratically elected local government responsible for the local administration of West Bagborough. The parish covers an area from the A358 to the West, Triscombe to the North, Shopnoller to the South and to Birches Corner to the East.  It also incorporates much of Lydeard Hill open country and common ground.

Councillors are elected by parishioners and serve voluntarily. They do not claim any payment or re-imbursement of expenses. The Parish Clerk is appointed by the Parish Council and is responsible for ensuring that councillors act according to standing orders and for the general administration of Parish Council business. All local councils are governed by strict rules of conduct and business.

The aim of the Parish Council is to ensure the Parish preserves its position in an important Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and supports Parishioners towards the best possible standard of living.

The powers of the Parish Council are very limited. Most successes are gained by making sure that Parishioners’ views are known to our contacts within TDBC and SCC.

Examples of matters that the Parish Council regularly considers are:

Local Planning Applications on which comment, approval or objections will be given to the local Planning Authority.(TDBC) They (TDBC) must take the Parish Council opinions into account, but are not bound by them and they are also obliged to inform the Parish Council of the outcome of the applications on which it has commented.

Roads and Footpaths where regular contact is maintained with the Highways Authority (Somerset County Council) and local footpaths are monitored. In this way, we can ensure the best possible outcomes for the Parish roads and footpaths.

Support for local initiatives covering sport and entertainment.  This includes support for the Cricket Club, Football Club, Youth Club and the village pantomime.

Maintenance and upkeep of the village play ground.

Responses to TDBC and SCC plans and proposals. Items such as a Village Appraisal where a survey was carried out amongst parishioners on issues such as speeding, parking, activities, policing, housing, public transport etc. These responses help TDBC and SCC to include local views in their planning for the future.

Disposal of Grants. Grants are provided by TDBC and SCC for various items each year. The Parish Council decides on appropriate local projects. Items such as the gates to Jubilee Walk are one example of this work. 

How does a Parish Council work?