Somerset
Citizens Somerset
Citizens Somerset
Who are we?
We are Citizens Somerset, a Citizens UK Chapter.
Our alliance is formed of nine members from schools, churches and community groups. Together, we organise and tackle injustices in our local communities.
During our development phase we helped persuade the local council to resettle Syrian refugees in Taunton for the first time.
Since our founding in 2019, we have:
- Campaigned on ‘Fair Fares’ for young people on buses.
- Hosted our first online assembly with over 100 Leaders.
- Secured a commitment from Somerset West and Taunton Council to accredit as a Living Wage employer.
- And are working with Somerset County Council to improve pay and conditions for care workers.
What are we fighting for?
The priority issues voted on by members in our community include:
- Fair Fares on buses for young people in Somerset.
- Housing and homelessness.
- A real Living Wage.
- A Safe Cycle Route between Wellington and Taunton.
We're asking council candidates to sign our pledge ahead of upcoming Unitary Authority elections.
Our ask to candidates is to:
- promote cycling as a means of sustainable transport across the county
- support substantial investment in Somerset’s cycling infrastructure so that our county becomes a leader in sustainable transport as well as tackling climate change
- prioritise the Wellington to Taunton cycle route along the A38 as a first step, aiming to start construction by 2025
Please see below a list of candidates who have signed the pledge, along with information on their Political Party and Council Ward.
COUNCIL WARD | NAME | POLITICAL PARTY
Bishop’s Hull and Taunton West
John Creighton - Green
Alan Debenham - Green
Shirley Merrell - Green
Jules Salvati - None
Blackdown and Neroche
Blackmoor Vale
Brent
Bridgwater East and Bawdrip
Bridgwater North and Central
Bridgwater South
Bridgwater West
Brympton
Burnham North
Cannington
Castle Cary
Chard North
Chard South
Cheddar
Coker
Comeytrowe and Trull
Crewkerne
Curry Rivel and Langport
Dulverton and Exmoor
Dunster
Frome East
Frome North
Frome West
Glastonbury
Highbridge and Burnham South
Huntspill
Ilminster
King Alfred
Lydeard
Mike Rigby - Liberal Democrat
Martock
Mendip Central and East Mendip Hills
Mendip South
Mendip West
Minehead
Monkton and North Curry
Andrew Pritchard - Green
North Petherton
Bill Revans - Liberal Democrat
Rowbarton and Staplegrove
Dixie Darch - Liberal Democrat
Somerton
South Petherton and Islemoor
Shepton Mallet
Street
Taunton East
Taunton North
Taunton South
Upper Tone
Dave Mansell - Green
Watchet and Stogursey
Wellington
Elizabeth Aveline - Green
Mags Baker - None
Marcus Barr - Conservative
Amanda Bazley - Conservative
Sarah Drury - None
Julie Gill - Liberal Democrat
Helen Gillingham - Liberal Democrat
Andrew Govier - Labour
Hayley Kerslake - Conservative
Ben Mansfield - N/A
Alan Mark - Labour
Wells
Wincanton and Bruton
Yeovil Central
Yeovil East
Yeovil South
Members
- Diocese of Bath & Wells
- King's Schools Taunton
- YMCA Taunton
- Queen's College
- Taunton Deane & South Sedgemoor Methodist Circuit
- Taunton Mavericks
- Taunton United Reformed Church
- Wellington School
- West Somerset Quakers
Co-chairs
- Fran Hicks
- John Haines
WANT TO JOIN OUR CHAPTER?
We know everyday people have the ability to shape the world around them and we're always looking for new members to join us!
Get in touch with one of our local Community Organisers using the form below.
Find out more about the benefits of becoming a Citizens UK member.