Local Community Network Areas

About the areas

Community spirit is strong in Somerset. It is what makes our county such a special place. And we are committed to working with those communities.

We are listening and engaging with residents, local organisations, partners, and businesses, and making it easier for them to engage with us. We are supporting people to identify their local, evidence-based priorities, transform neighbourhoods, and improve lives.

We are making this happen through our Local Community Networks (LCNs). Find your Local Community Network and join the conversation.

Avalon and Poldens

There are 23 parishes in this Local Community Network with a combined population of approximately 34,800. The major industries are agriculture, hospitality, retail, and tourism

Bridgwater

Bridgwater’s population is around 41,100. The market town was granted a charter to hold an annual fair in 1249. It has a world-famous illuminated carnival.

Burnham

This Local Community Network has around 36,200 people and 12 parishes. The western edge of Burnham runs parallel to the coast.

Chard and Blackdowns

Includes the Blackdown Hills, a key natural asset. The town of Chard is the 2nd largest in south Somerset. There are 19 parishes in this Local Community Network

Cheddar and Axbridge

The Cheddar and Axbridge area has a population of 17,600. There are 10 parishes in this Local Community Network., including Cheddar, famous for its gorge, cave, and cheese

Crewkerne and Ilminster

Crewkerne and Ilminster Local Community Network is situated in South Somerset. It features 33 parishes and has a population of 31,100. It boasts good rail, road, train, and cycle routes

Dowsborough

Dowsborough has 5,900 households and is known for its great community spirit. Its stunning landscape features an Iron Age hill fort and round barrow, which are a magnet for tourists.

Exmoor

The Exmoor area features open moorland and spectacular coastal views. Peppered with charming villages, its population is 7,900. The sea, agriculture, and tourism are the main industries.

Hestercombe

Set at the foot of the Quantock Hills, the Local Community Network area Hestercombe, features eight parishes. It has 8,500 households in total and its largest town is North Petherton

Levels and Moors

The Levels and Moors were once known as the ‘summerlands’. It’s thought this is where Somerset got its name. This Local Community Network has a population of 33,600

Minehead and Watchet

Situated close to Taunton, the area has a population of 27,200. There are 16 parishes in total and 11,900 households. Three electoral divisions span this Local Community Network

Shepton

A population of around 27,800, this Local Community Network has 10 rural parishes, including the market town of Shepton Mallet. Nearby Pilton parish hosts the iconic Glastonbury Festival

South East Somerset

South East Somerset Local Community Network has 35 rural parishes. Situated at the county’s edge, it borders Wiltshire, and Dorset.

Taunton

There are seven parishes in the Taunton Local Community Network which has a population of around 74,000

Vale of Frome

The Vale of Frome LCN focusses on children, young people, and their families. It has a population of around 37,800 and spans five electoral divisions

Wellington and Wiveliscombe