Explanatory note

This Order gives effect, with one modification, to recommendations by the Local Government Commission for England for electoral changes in the county of Somerset. The changes have effect in relation to local government elections to be held on or after 3rd May 2001.

The modification amends the apportionment of the 18 parish councillors to parish wards in the parish of Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge.

Article 2 abolishes the existing divisions of the county and provides for the creation of 58 new divisions. That article and Schedule 1 also make provision for the names and areas of the new divisions. One councillor is to be elected for each division.

Articles 3 and 4 make electoral changes in the parishes of Frome and Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge. The changes have effect in relation to local government elections to be held on or after 1st May 2003.

Article 5 revokes the County of Somerset (Electoral Arrangements) Order 1980, article 3 of the District of Mendip (Electoral Changes) Order 1998 and article 3 of the District of Sedgemoor (Electoral Changes) Order 1998.

The areas of the new divisions and of the new parish wards of the parish of Burnham-on-Sea and Highbridge are demarcated on the map described in article 1(4). Prints of the map may be inspected at all reasonable times at the offices of Somerset County Council and at the offices of the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions, 2nd Floor, Ashdown House, 123 Victoria Street, London SW1E 6DE.