Parish councils in the Avon Valley between Bradford on Avon and Bath have joined forces to present a unified voice on local issues.

The Valley Parishes Alliance will promote the common interest of its communities which come under both Wiltshire and Bath and North East Somerset councils.

The alliance, launched on Monday at Dundas Aqueduct, will focus on issues such as housing, roads, employment and tourism, managing the Kennet and Avon canal, protection of the green belt and renewable energy opportunities.

Chairman Simon Coombe said: “The valley here is a common community divided by a council boundary, but the alliance will allow us to be fully recognised.

“It is a beautiful valley with a number of rural communities, a growing tourism industry and small businesses, and it is a transport axis, with important roads, railways and the canal.

“We want to make sure if we have concerns in common that they are heard by both Wiltshire and B&NES, and that we don’t get lost down the cracks.”

The alliance is a union of Bathampton, Batheaston, Bathford, Claverton, Freshford, Limpley Stoke, Monkton Combe, Westwood and Winsley parish councils.