PRIME minister Theresa May is set to hold a top-level meeting regarding the potential merger between Taunton Deane and West Somerset Councils after expressing “serious concerns” to MP Ian Liddell-Grainger.

It comes as opponents to the merger have called for a judicial review into the plan, with West Somerset Council (WSC) meeting next week to vote on it.

West Somerset MP Mr Liddell-Grainger will head to Downing Street on Wednesday, the same day WSC meets to discuss both Hinkley C and the merger plan.

Mr Liddell-Grainger has been an outspoken critic of the plan, and told the County Gazette Mrs May shares his view.

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“Mrs May believes that talks between all three councils, without pre-conditions, could deliver real savings and also protect the democratic integrity of West Somerset,” he said.

“They could effectively vote themselves out of existence just as I sit down in the prime minister’s Downing Street office.

“West Somerset’s leader has recommended 28 councillors join forces with Taunton and form a new authority. If they do it will trigger a process that will mean drastic reductions in the number of councillors.”

He added: “A huge decision to proceed with Hinkley C rests upon her shoulders.

"Hinkley falls within West Somerset’s existing boundary only by a whisker.

"She does not want to see two councils merged in unseemly haste in order to share the potential income that will begin to flow when the power station starts producing electricity.”

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The Tory MP said WSC’s finances were hit badly by the Government’s decision to backdate a Business Rates Appeal from Hinkley Point B.

“West Somerset approached the Government for money and were told to sort it out by co-operating with neighbours,” Mr Liddell-Grainger said.

And he continued: “I want my constituents to get the best possible service. But I also want West Somerset Council to survive.

"Both desires are still possible if councillors are prepared to look beyond the agenda that has been presented to them. They are being told to merge or die. There is another way and the prime minister is backing it.”

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However, leader of Taunton Deane Cllr John Williams said Mr Liddell-Grainger’s comments showed ‘a woeful lack of understanding’.

“It is unfortunate that the MP for Bridgwater and West Somerset should continue his criticism of sound proposals arrived at after the working up of detailed business cases by professional offices and as requested by both councils,” he said.

“These business cases were independently checked by an organisation set up by HM Govts Treasury Department and the local Govt Association, and given the highest marks for being sound, sustainable and deliverable.”

The meeting with the PM comes as Taunton Deane Borough Council (TDBC) Cllr Ian Morrell has said he plans to call for a judicial review of the merger if West Somerset votes for it to proceed.

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He said: “It is hoped central government or the Boundary Commission intervene and stop this ill-considered shotgun marriage.

“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.

“Although legal challenge runs a considered risk, we have the utmost confidence that the judiciary will find the council’s decision-making process as oppressive and unconscionable.

“Judicial review is the last chance to oppose inevitable tax rises and loss of local identity and services.”

Cllr Williams said any questions raised by a possible judicial review would 'fully answered'.