A NEW era has started in Somerset after the county’s district councils were disbanded.

The new Somerset Council came into existence on April 1, replacing South Somerset, Mendip, Sedgemoor and Somerset West and Taunton councils.

Flags sporting the new council’s logo are now flying outside offices in Bridgwater, Shepton Mallet, Taunton and Yeovil.

Somerset Council, with 110 councillors, will be one of the largest unitary councils in England – with 512 services – and chiefs say its scale ‘will enable innovative approaches to tackling the big challenges faced today’.

Residents can access services via a single telephone number – 0300 123 2224 – and a single website, at www.somerset.gov.uk.

The number of Customer Access Points across Somerset has almost doubled from 12 to 19, bosses say.

Cllr Bill Revans, leader of Somerset Council, said: “This is the biggest shake up of local government in Somerset for 50 years. While people will see some immediate benefits, such as simpler ways to get in touch, there won’t be a big difference right away.

“In the years ahead, services will be more joined-up and we can use this powerful new council to take on the big challenges such as improving opportunities for young people, managing the impacts of an ageing population, and addressing the cost-of-living and climate crises.”

Cllr Val Keitch, executive member for local government reorganisation and prosperity, added: “The new council will have strong links with local communities built in.

“The introduction of 18 Local Community Networks (LCNs) across the county will involve a wide range of people and partners with real power to influence the issues that matter to them.

“Creating a new council is a complex project that we’ve delivered on time and on budget. That is thanks to hardworking council staff working collaboratively for the good of our county. This exemplifies how in Somerset we get the job done.”