Exton | |
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![]() St Peter's Church |
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![]() Bridgetown Mill |
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Exton shown within Somerset
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Population | 243 (2011) |
OS grid reference | SS925335 |
District | |
Shire county | |
Region | |
Country | England |
Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
Post town | DULVERTON |
Postcode district | TA22 |
Dialling code | 01643 |
Police | Avon and Somerset |
Fire | Devon and Somerset |
Ambulance | South Western |
EU Parliament | South West England |
UK Parliament | |
Exton is a village and civil parish 5 miles (8 km) north-east of Dulverton and 9 miles (14 km) south-west of Dunster in Somerset, England. It lies on the River Exe on Exmoor. The parish includes the village of Bridgetown and covers 2,017 ha, all of which is within the National Park.
The parish of Exton was part of the Williton and Freemanners Hundred.
Edbrooke Bridge over the River Exe is medieval in origin.
In the Middle Ages the manor passed with the forestership of the Royal Forest of Exmoor, later being owned by the Rollers and then the Siderfins of Croydon who sold it in 1700, following a private Act of parliament in 1698.
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 West Somerset, which was formed on 1 April 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972, having previously been part of Dulverton 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.