COUNCILLORS in Wellington are divided over the possibility of Taunton Deane Borough Council joining forces with West Somerset Council in a move to share services and save an estimated £1.8 million a year.

Cllr Marcus Barr felt it would lead to Wellington being ‘swallowed up’ and Cllr Ross Henley said he could not see ‘what’s it in for Taunton Deane’. The county council had been riven with financial difficulties for years.

Cllr Andrew Govier said he did not see any benefit for Wellington in tying up with West Somerset because it was too small to be sustainable. It was a dreadful idea for Wellington. It would make Wellington’s position worse as it would have fewer members on the new council. And it would mean a dilution of Wellington’s voice on the council. The setting up of the new council would take money which was going to be used for infra-structure improvements in Wellington.

Deputy mayor Gary James said it was estimated to save nearly £2 million a year, which was important. The two councils had been working together for three years but it was not a done deal by any means.

The town council decided by six votes to four to object to the amalgamation.

Public consultation over the idea of creating the one council continues until February 28.