 The town 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 Langport Rural District . The district council is responsible for planning permission 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 major services such as the Local Education Authority , social services , libraries , main roads , public transport , policing and fire services , trading standards , waste disposal and strategic planning . 
