Castle Cary, a fast-growing Somerset town, is proposing to merge with its neighbouring parish, Ansford, a move that has ignited local tension and suspicions of a power grab. Over the past decade, significant housing developments have blurred the lines between these areas, even bisecting a residential property, making the existing parish boundaries outdated.
Somerset Council has initiated a governance review to consider forming a joint parish council, with residents invited to share their views by December 8. Contrary to earlier reports suggesting the two councils instigated this review, it was actually prompted by Henry Hobhouse, the local division member for Castle Cary. This revelation has led to accusations from residents who label the initiative as “an orchestrated coup” and a “conquest of Ansford.”
Mr. Hobhouse defends the process, stressing that he legally gathered the required number of signatures to trigger the review and believes uniting the parishes would ease ongoing service delivery conflicts. Currently, Castle Cary has 1,883 registered voters compared to Ansford’s 1,174. If merged, the new ‘Ansford and Castle Cary Parish Council’ would consist of 11 councillors, with the final name to be determined during consultation.
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Local politicians and residents have expressed strong disapproval. Robert Brown of Castle Cary Town Council criticized Hobhouse’s unilateral actions, saying, “The petition was put forward by unitary councillor Henry Hobhouse without any knowledge of the two councils.” Castle Cary resident Dorian Wood called the review “an orchestrated coup,” accusing Hobhouse of canvassing a “rigged petition” and seeing the merger as a takeover rather than a democratic process.
Hobhouse, a Liberal Democrat, responded that his door-to-door campaign secured significantly more signatures than required, verified by Somerset Council’s election officer. “I’m quite entitled to go off and try and join two councils that are fighting if I wish to do so,” he stated.
Another division councillor, Kevin Messenger, disputed claims that the process was secretive, revealing that discussions about uniting the councils had been underway for some time. He noted mixed feelings: “Castle Cary voted in favor, but Ansford residents seem less enthusiastic. Many have asked why they don’t already share one council given their close ties.”
Ansford Parish Council remains neutral, commissioning an independent study to evaluate the implications of such a merger. Residents are urged to conduct their own research prior to the consultation deadline.
The formal proposals will be reviewed by Somerset Council’s constitution and governance committee in February 2026, with public consultations planned for March and April. Final approval is expected later that year, paving the way for new boundaries ahead of the 2027 local elections. The Local Government Boundary Commission for England will publish its final proposals on December 2.