Middlezoy, a village in Somerset, faces a delay in reclaiming control of its local playing fields and village hall due to staffing shortages at Somerset Council. The fields, located on Nethermoor Road, were originally transferred from Middlezoy Parish Council to Sedgemoor District Council in 1979. Following the abolition of the district council, ownership passed to Somerset Council in April 2023.
The parish council is keen to bring these community assets back under local control in line with Somerset Council’s wider initiative to devolve public services. However, they are currently stalled by numerous similar requests from other parishes throughout the county. Middlezoy cannot be prioritized ahead of others even though the local community strongly supports the transfer.
At a recent full council meeting in Bridgwater, Anthony Betty of neighboring Othery village questioned why Middlezoy must wait despite already managing the site under a lease and demonstrating readiness to take full ownership. He asked why the council retains ownership when the parish council has offered to cover legal costs and already handles site management.
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Somerset Council confirms it is committed to devolving more services but faces a backlog, having received over 80 expressions of interest for asset transfers. Councillor Theo Butt Philip, responsible for transformation and localities, explained that the existing lease held by Middlezoy Parish Council runs until 2043. This lease provides “reasonable security of tenure” and allows significant managerial control of the site.
Due to ongoing council restructuring and cost-cutting measures, capacity to process transfers is limited. Priority is given to requests from councils that do not already operate assets under a lease. With over 125 asset transfers completed and 90 in progress, Somerset Council is working through a substantial pipeline.
Councillor Butt Philip assured that discussions with Middlezoy Parish Council will begin once capacity allows, most likely within the coming year. He emphasized the council’s commitment to devolution while maintaining fairness to all parishes awaiting asset transfers. Until then, Middlezoy will continue to manage the playing fields under the current lease agreement.