A TIME capsule was buried and a commemorative tree was planted at Apex Park in Highbridge on Friday to mark the end of Sedgemoor District Council. 

Councillor Alan Bradford, the chairman of the council, led a short ceremony to commemorate Sedgemoor and recognise its work since it was founded in 1974.

Somerset's new unitary authority launched on Saturday, April 1 to replace Somerset County Council and the four district councils (Mendip, Sedgemoor, Somerset West and Taunton and South Somerset). 

The new Somerset Council has 110 councillors, making it one of the largest unitary councils in England. 

Local councillors and residents braved wet and windy weather to attend the ceremony on Friday, which also saw a plaque unveiled next to the new oak tree.

Bridgwater Mercury: Cllr Alan Bradford, chairman of Sedgemoor District Council, buries the time capsule. Cllr Alan Bradford, chairman of Sedgemoor District Council, buries the time capsule. (Image: Newsquest)

The time capsule contained a farewell speech from Cllr Bradford and other commemorative items from the council's history.

Cllr Bradford said: “This is a truly momentous occasion for me as chairman of Sedgemoor district.

“It’s 48 years now that Sedgemoor’s been going, and there’s a lot of history in there (the time capsule) from that period of time, and some before.”

He then thanked Sedgemoor's councillors, officers and staff members for their service.

Bridgwater Mercury: A commemorative tree and plaque were unveiled as part of the short ceremony.A commemorative tree and plaque were unveiled as part of the short ceremony. (Image: Newsquest)

“They’ve been so loyal over that period of years, and that’s what made Sedgemoor such a success,” he said. 

“I’ve been involved in Sedgemoor for only 16 years, but when I drive around, there’s an awful lot of things I see that I’ve been involved with.

“A tremendous amount – north, south, east and west.

“Thank you all for your support. Sedgemoor’s a terrific team, and that’s what has made it like it is.”

Bridgwater Mercury: Cllr Helen Sprawson-White, Cllr Alan Bradford, Cllr Mike Best, Cllr Paul Maxwell and Cllr Hazel Prior-Sankey at Wells Cathedral on Sunday, March 12.Cllr Helen Sprawson-White, Cllr Alan Bradford, Cllr Mike Best, Cllr Paul Maxwell and Cllr Hazel Prior-Sankey at Wells Cathedral on Sunday, March 12. (Image: Somerset Council)

Last month, Cllr Bradford attended a thanksgiving service at Wells Cathedral to celebrate the five councils' contributions to the county.

The council's five chairs left their chains of office on the Cathedral’s altar to signify the transition from five councils to one.

The chains will be put on display at the Museum of Somerset.

For more information on the new unitary authority, visit www.somerset.gov.uk.