LCN pilot projects

Three pilot LCNs explored ways of working with City, Town and Parish Councils, Highways, Children’s Services, Public Health, the Police, Voluntary Sector Organisations and other local groups.

The LCN pilots tested new ways of working without dictating the terms to communities. They provided useful insight to the LCN model to be determined for Somerset. As part of the evaluation framework we considered good practice and learnt from things that did not work quite so well. As well as continuing to look towards other Unitary authorities for ideas and best practice.

Choose from the links below to find out more about each of our pilot projects in South East Somerset, Frome and surrounding area, and Exmoor Area.

Exmoor Area

Exmoor – a pilot LCN - 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 & 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 & 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.

Wincanton

Wincanton Local Community Network has 35 rural parishes. Situated at the county’s edge, it borders Wiltshire, and Dorset. It was one of three pilot LCNs (the South East Somerset pilot)

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 & 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 & 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 & 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 & 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 & 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

Frome Area

One of three Local Community Network pilots, Frome Area focussed 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 & 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: www.somersetintelligence.org.uk

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