nearby Merryfield aerodrome. Governance The parish council has responsibility for local issues, including setting an annual precept (local rate) to cover the council's operating costs and producing annual accounts for public scrutiny. The parish council evaluates local planning applications and works with the local police, district council officers, and neighbourhood watch groups on matters of crime, security and traffic. The parish council's role also includes initiating projects for the maintenance and repair of parish facilities, as well as consulting with the district council on the maintenance, repair, and improvement of highways, drainage, footpaths, public transport, and street cleaning. Conservation matters (including trees and listed buildings) and environmental issues are also the responsibility of the council. The village falls within the Non-metropolitan district of South Somerset, which was formed on 1 April 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972, having previously been part of Chard Rural District. The district council is responsible for local planning and building control, local roads, council housing, environmental health, markets and fairs, refuse collection and recycling, cemeteries and crematoria, leisure services, parks, and tourism. Somerset County Council is responsible for running the largest and most expensive local services such as education, social services, libraries, main roads, public transport, policing and fire services, trading standards, waste disposal and strategic planning. The village is in 'Islemoor' electoral ward. From Ilton the ward stretches north to Fivehead via Beercrocombe or Hambridge and Westport. The total population for this ward taken at the 2011 census was 2,772. It is also part of the Yeovil county constituency represented in the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It elects one Member of Parliament (MP) by the first past the post system of election. Religious sites The church of St Peter dates from the 14th century, and includes memorials to the Wadham family. It has been designated by English Heritage as a Grade II* listed building. On the outskirts of the village is the well known gypsy camp which, in 2016, made national headlines with three brothers involved in a feud shooting resulting in the death of local resident. References External links Ilton Talking - Online parish magazine Villages in South Somerset Civil parishes in Somerset