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 Mendip, which was formed on 1 April 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972, having previously been part of Shepton Mallet Rural District, which 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. It is also part of the Wells 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. Geography Very close to Nettlebridge is the ancient Harridge Wood, which is in the care of the Somerset Wildlife Trust. It comprises five sites with a total area of 54 ha (133 acres). It forms a major element of the Mells Valley Prime Biodiversity Area. Landmarks Hill House in Nettlebridge, a former pub, is a Grade II listed building. Manor Farmhouse on the edge of the village is a Grade II listed building. Religious sites The abbey church of St Gregory the Great, which is known as Downside Abbey church, is an example of neo-gothic architecture. It dominates the village with its tower, and is a Grade I listed building. Downside School, which has grown in conjunction with the abbey, is a Roman Catholic Public School. There is also a catholic church in the village which is dedicated to St Benedict and opened in 1857. The Anglican Church of St. Vigor dates from the 12th century and is also Grade I listed. References External links village web site Villages in Mendip District Somerset coalfield Civil parishes in Somerset