TAUNTON Deane Borough Council leader John Williams has defended the council's merger decision in the wake of possible judicial review.

Cllr Ian Morrell this week announced he intends to push for a judicial review describing the council's decision-making process as 'oppressive and unconscionable'.

However Cllr John Williams said he was satisfied that the Borough Council's decision to vote for a merger was taken openly and transparently following extensive briefings, workshops and drop-in sessions for elected members.

When applying for a judicial review the submission of a 'letter before action' is a requirement warning of impending legal action.

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"As of Friday, no 'letter of action has been received by the council," Cllr Williams said.

"When we receive details of Cllr Morrell's concerns, these will be fully answered."

Cllr Morrell said that although a legal challenge runs a considered risk, he was confident a judicial review would find 'coercion by TDBC's leadership'.

“It is hoped central government or the Boundary Commission intervene and stop this ill-considered shotgun marriage," Cllr Morrell said.

“However if the half-baked plan proceeds, then a group of cross-party councillors feel the impact will be so detrimental to our community that we are prepared to seek judicial review against TDBC.

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"Although legal challenge runs a considered risk, following councillor voting coercion by TDBC’s leadership we have the utmost confidence that the judiciary will find the council’s decision-making process as oppressive and unconscionable.”