Range of Yeovil services to be run more locally under devolution deal

Somerset Council reached out to town and parish councils across the county after declaring a financial emergency in November 2023, asking them to take on the running of services to prevent damaging cuts in the face of a £100m budget gap.

Bridgwater Town Council signed a devolution deal in early-May, agreeing to take over management of the town’s green spaces, street cleaning, minor highway repairs and the Northgate Docks (after the completion of a £5.2m regeneration project).

Somerset Council has now agreed a similar deal with Yeovil Town Council, which will see it formally take control of Yeovil Country Park, Yeovil Recreation Ground and other key assets from August 1.

The terms of the deal came before the council’s executive committee for approval on July 15 – with officers estimating the transfer of services would save around £500,000 a year.

Under the deal, the town council will take over the ownership and management of the Yeovil Recreation Centre (known locally as Mudford Rec), the Yeovil Country Park (including the Ninesprings café), the Westlands Entertainment Venue and the South Somerset Heritage Collection.

This will include a transfer of 32 staff from Somerset Council to Yeovil Town Council, with up to 90 casual staff also being offered continued casual employment.

Ninesprings cafe And visitors centre. (Image: Daniel Mumby)

The town council will eventually assume control of the Octagon Theatre once the planned regeneration scheme is undertaken – with the town council putting forward £3.75m towards the £15m cost of the project.

In addition to owning the land on which the country park, Mudford Rec and the other assets stand, the town council will gain control of two freeholds – one parcel on Milford Road, and the former Monmouth Hall storage building on Monmouth Road.

Councillor Ros Wyke, portfolio holder for economic development, planning and assets, said: “Yeovil Town Council has really stepped up to the challenge of taking on quite a range of services – the services which are really important to the people of Yeovil.

“I am very grateful for their willingness to be flexible and understanding of where we are going.

“We have discussed the details at great lengths and have given assurances to the town council that we’re not just walking away – we’re going to be supporting them throughout the process and making sure that the services on which the people of Yeovil depend will continue.”

Council leader Bill Revans added: “I’d like to thank Yeovil Town Council for stepping forward and supporting their residents and this council in the devolution of these services.

“I’d like to thank all the other town and parish councils that have stepped forward to work in this area, including Bridgwater, Taunton, Burnham-on-Sea and Frome – it really is hugely appreciated.”