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

The Polden hills sit within this LCN and form a long, low ridge extending for 10 miles. They are separated from the Mendip Hills by the Somerset Levels (an expanse of coastal plain and wetland area). The Polden hills stretch from Puriton (near Bridgwater) in the West, to Street in the East of the area.

The large parish of Street welcomes more than 4 million visitors each year (particularly those wanting to visit the outlet stores housed in Clarks Village). This bustling rural community strives to remain true to its origins as a village, and still has links back to the original shoe makers of “Clarks” shoes.

There is a main arterial road through Avalon and Poldens LCN , the A39. It winds through the picturesque parishes that make up the Poldens, all the way to the fairtrade town of Glastonbury. At the very easterly point of the LCN area is the uniquely shaped civil parish of West Bradley. Its “pom-pom” border consists of the hamlets Hornblotton and Lottisham, making the three united in one parish.

The most southernly point of the LCN area is Keinton Mandeville, famous for being the birthplace of Henry Irving and also for the Blue Lias stone that can be found in locally.

Yearly Report

• Local Community Network Yearly Report 2023/2024 – Avalon and Poldens (PDF, 1MB)

View the full list of upcoming Local Community Network Meetings.