North Somerset play areas and allotments could soon be run by parish and town councils

Paul JonesSeptember 15, 20250 Comment0

PLAY areas and allotments in North Somerset could soon be handed to town and parish councils as district chiefs look to save money.

North Somerset Council, which is facing a multi million-pound budget deficit, has approved details of ‘local devolution plans’ – which would see assets transferred to be run by other councils.

The move, which has been seen in other cash-strapped authorities, including neighbouring Somerset Council, is a way to take the maintenance and management of some facilities off council balance sheets.

On September 10, the NSC Cabinet approved the next step in the authority’s Local Devolution Programme (LDP), a new initiative designed to transfer assets and/or management of certain council-owned assets and services to local town and parish councils or community groups.

The council said the LDP was “a key part of the council’s broader plan to create thriving, sustainable communities by giving local communities more control”.

It said the programme could reduce the council’s overall number of assets, achieve savings, while fostering community pride and ownership.

Town and parish councils have already identified a range of assets and service areas that could be devolved including parks and open spaces, community halls and litter bins, and the council is working with them on the devolution process, NSC said.

Early opportunities – such as allotments and play areas – have been earmarked for transfer, which could take place this financial year.

Cllr Mike Bell, leader of NSC, said: “We recognise local communities – and their parish and town councils – are often best placed to run local services and facilities.

“They have a deeper understanding of local needs and can often mobilise community resources quickly and effectively to deliver stronger, more resilient and sustainable services.

“This programme will strengthen our partnerships with Town and Parish Councils as well as the voluntary and community sector and ensure we work well together for the benefits of our residents.

“This is an ambitious programme and I am grateful to the town and parish councils who have worked with us to drive this forward.

“We have more work to do together, but I hope we will achieve better outcomes for our community for years to come.”

Cllr Paul Gardner, chair of Portishead Town Council, said: “We are ambitious for our community and welcome this unique opportunity to bring about local decision making and control to protect our green spaces, community halls, play areas and improve treasured local amenities such as Portishead Lake Grounds.

“Past local successes such as the Portishead Open Air Pool shows that Portishead is a community that delivers. We look forward to the Jewel in The Crown returning to Portishead ownership.”

Leader of Weston-super-Mare Town Council, Cllr Ciaran Cronnelly, said: “We’re really pleased to be working closely with North Somerset Council as we continue to identify and take on local assets and services that make a real difference to the people of Weston-super-Mare.

“This next step is handing more responsibility to the town and it’s great to see positive progress is being made.

“As the local council, we’re closest to the community and in the best position to look after and invest in the places and services, that matter most to our residents.”

And Jo Duffy, clerk and CEO of Nailsea Town Council, said: “We support the statements made by our neighbouring town councils.”

A Local Devolution Programme: A Framework for Asset and Service Transfer in North Somerset is now being developed by NSC, with the town and parish councils, aiming to outline fair and transparent processes that avoid financial risks while meeting legal obligations around best value, consultation, and accessibility.