THE Boundary Commission has published draft proposals for wards for our new council, with wards in Taunton’s unparished area now for 16 district councillors.

The ward pattern still does not show the difference between town centre urban conditions and the suburbs of the town.

Things like town centre traffic, air pollution, residents parking, bicycle racks, new homes without parking, a diverse mix of nationalities, with the effects of the 24-hour economy help define the town centre, and its elected councillors will have different worries and demands from their residents. 

READ MORE: New boundaries plan revealed for West Somerset and Taunton Council

In the proposals, part of Lambrook is to be added to a new Victoria Ward, despite a dual carriageway across the park coming between us, which breaks this pattern.

Surely Halcon and Lambrook still belong together in a ward of the same name? 

Also, the town centre area around the Market House does not fit well in a long Vivary East ward, which extends to the motorway boundary. 

Defining the exact edge of the town centre is not always easy, but this should be done and reflected in the new ward boundary pattern. 

ROGER HOUSE
Taunton