Drayton | |
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The tower of St Catherine's, Drayton |
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Drayton shown within Somerset | |
Population | 379 (2011) |
OS grid reference | ST404248 |
District | |
Shire county | |
Region | |
Country | England |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Post town | Langport |
Postcode district | TA10 |
Dialling code | 01458 |
Police | Avon and Somerset |
Fire | Devon and Somerset |
Ambulance | South Western |
EU Parliament | South West England |
UK Parliament | |
Drayton is a village and civil parish in Somerset, England, situated less than a mile from Curry Rivel and five miles southwest of Somerton in the South Somerset district. It is situated on the River Isle, near its confluence with the Parrett, and the former Westport Canal. The parish includes the hamlet of Midelney.
The village has a population of 379 and is home to St Catherine's parish church and the Drayton Arms pub.
It is believed the name of the village means "the settlement near a slope for dragging loads" or "where ledges or drays were used".
The probable site of a Roman House has been identified west of the vicarage.
Drayton was part of the hundred of Abdick and Bulstone.
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 Langport 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.