Boundary changes are expected to take effect before the next local elections after a proposed merger between the growing Somerset town of Castle Cary and the neighbouring village of Ansford was abandoned.
Over the past decade, Castle Cary has experienced rapid expansion, with a substantial number of new homes built both within the town and in Ansford parish, which includes Castle Cary railway station. This housing growth has made existing parish boundaries outdated—at one point, the dividing line even cuts through the centre of a residential property.
Prompted by a petition from local councillor Henry Hobhouse, Somerset Council conducted a governance review in late 2025. However, in February 2026, the council decided to drop plans for merging the two parishes due to insufficient public support.
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Instead, the council will implement subtle boundary adjustments between Castle Cary and Ansford to correct discrepancies and better meet residents' needs. Three main boundary alterations have been proposed to resolve these issues.
Some local residents voiced objections to the boundary changes. Their anonymous feedback was published ahead of a meeting of the council’s Constitution and Governance Committee, where the proposals were discussed.
One resident stated: “I feel the proposal for Ansford and Castle Cary to become one council deserves thorough exploration, as unification is the best option for our shared community. The initial consultation phase did not provide enough time or clarity for residents and interested parties to fully understand the proposals.”
Steven Lake, Somerset Council’s electoral services manager, described the changes as “a tidying up procedure that considers the wishes of local people.”
Councillor Hobhouse added, “I want to thank everyone who took part in the consultation. We’ve drawn a line that reflects their views.”
The committee unanimously approved the boundary changes, which will be formally ratified later this year. The next local elections for the Castle Cary division, and across Somerset Council, are scheduled for May 1, 2027.