LCN Areas

Community spirit is strong in Somerset. It’s what makes our county such a special place. And your Somerset Council is committed to working with those communities.

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

We’re enabling this through our Local Community Networks (LCNs). Find your LCN, and join the conversation.

Exmoor Area

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.

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.

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

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

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.

South East Somerset

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

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

Wells and Rural

The Wells and Rural area features 11 parishes. Some sit on the slopes of the Mendip Hills – an area of outstanding natural beauty. The parish of Wells has held city status since 1974.

Wellington and Wiveliscombe

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

Taunton

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

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

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

Avalon and the 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

Yeovil

There are 21 parishes in this south Somerset Local Community Network. Known for its aircraft and defence industries, it’s home to RNAS Yeovilton and has a population of 65,700

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

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

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

Burnham

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

Source: Somerset Intelligence

Figures taken from Office for National Statistics – Census 2021 and are rounded to the nearest 100.