What does your Parish Council do ?
The standard answer is that we are the first tier of a three tier system of local government, with Worcester City Council, and Worcester County Council being the next two tiers, all elected by people in the area.
Parish Councils were formed by an Act of Parliament in 1894, and we look after the interests of those who live within the parish. The County and City councils are responsible for health, police, education, planning, litter, public transport & highways amongst other things. Parish Councils do have wide powers and authority, but we are in a fairly unique situation in that being part of the City of Worcester many of those matters are enacted by the City or the County Council.
What we are not is probably easier..
- We are nothing to do with the church, who are governed by Parochial Councils (PCC)
- We are not politically affiliated
- We are not "residents" associations or "lobby" groups
- Parish Councillors are not paid
- We have no powers to determine Planning Applications, we can only recommend action to the City Council who are the Planning Authority.
However, what we do is represent the residents who live in the Parish of Warndon in matters of local government. Some of these include
- Local Planning (which covers anything from satellite dishes to new developments and roads)...we make recommendations to the Planning Authority (City Council).
- Economic development
- Environmental matters
- Community projects
- Leisure and recreation matters
- Contact with the City and County Councils
- Complaints (!)
- Information and advice
In addition we have wide powers in relation to the provision of services and facilities which bring direct benefit to the parish.
Since the formation there have been 25 different Councillors, (of which 8 have been Chairman) and 4 clerks
As the parish is growing at a rapid rate, the representational aspect becomes increasingly more important. Decisions taken by the City and County Councils may vitally effect the quality of life within the parish, therefore the role of the Parish Council is of critical importance.
Successes
Probably the most notable success was the preservation of Warndon Court Farm within a conservation area. A developer wanted to build 16 houses within the curtilage. We said emphatically no and won the day !
- The council was involved in early discussions and provide a substantial grant to the Lyppard Grange Community Centre.
- The council fought for, and got a 50mph limit on Berkeley Way and insisted on better landscaping of the factories abutting the road.
- The council lobbied for 10 years for a post office, post-boxes and payphones.
- We inaugurated the school bus service to Nunnery Wood schools, and are consulted about the siteing of bus stops, and fund the timetable cases.
- Over the last few years we have been responsible for the annual Parish Fun Run each June which has raised funds for several local charities.
Councillor Responsibilities.
Finance : Cllr Ray Morris, Cllr Nick Fielden
Environment : Cllr Valerie Barrall, Cllr Dawn Merriman
Planning & Rights of Way : Cllr Ted Holloway, Cllr Dave Long
Leisure & Community Affairs : Cllr Valerie Barrall, Cllr Steve Mackay