As the nation continues to come to terms with the repercussions, both long term and short term, to Britain leaving the European Union, residents and businesses in B&NES and Mendip, which both returned remain results, are looking to see how to proceed.

Since the result was revealed on Friday morning, the Prime Minister resigned, Scotland and Northern Ireland threatened to leave the United Kingdom, economic turmoil ensued and the Labour party lost its shadow cabinet. Many companies operating in the South West are likely to be affected by these immediate affects, but there is hope that during the next few months and years of negotiation, stability can return, with the local authority, among others, promising that there will be little or no effect to services or projects being undertaken in the area.

A representative from B&NES Council said: “The Council, like millions of others across the country, has watched the results of the Referendum unfold over Thursday night and the discussions taking place nationally over the weekend. The Council will be reflecting on the outcome of the Leave vote and considering the implications of the changes over the coming weeks and months. There are no immediate implications for frontline Council services, which remain business as usual.

“The Council remains in a better position than many other authorities across the UK and will continue its established programme of work to implement its key priorities. These include improving transport, investing in new affordable housing schemes in both the rural and urban areas, growing the economy with developments such as Bath Quays to create thousands of local jobs, supporting people to live longer, more independent lives, investing in education to modernise facilities and continuing to support our heritage assets and increasing tourism to the City and surrounding areas. The Council will continue to innovate to protect essential front line services and invest in the future prosperity of the area.”

Dave Broadway, from CFH Docmail, based in Westfield, said: “We will be watching developments closely. A recession, or increased inflation, could affect our investment decisions. An independent Scotland, where two of our sites are based, could also have an impact on our future plans. I am incredibly disappointed with this decision.”

The result breakdown for the seven Somerset districts saw B&NES and Mendip bringing in remain votes, while the others chose leave. The full breakdown is as follows: B&NES result: Leave 42%, 44,352, Remain, 57.9%, 60,878, turnout, 77.1%. Mendip result: Leave, 48.9%, 32,028, Remain, 51.1%, 33,427, turnout, 76.9%. Neighbouring Bristol also voted remain.

MP for North East Somerset, Jacob Rees Mogg, said: “The Brexit result is a great opportunity for the UK to determine its own future and to prosper without the interference of Brussels. We have taken back control and now we must use our regained freedom.”