A DESPERATE plea for more people to step forward and be parish councillors has been issued in Abbots Morton.
The village, nestling between Alcester and Inkberrow is at risk of being unable to get enough councillors – called a quorum – to be able to make decisions and put their views across on key matters affecting the parish, including planning issues.
Parish clerk David Hunter-Miller said that with the local elections coming up on May 2 nominations were desperately needed.
“It’s just complete apathy,” he said.
“We’ve tried letter drops and announcements but people don’t seem to be getting the message.
“I know we are a small parish with just 70 or so houses but we need at least three councillors to make a quorum and on one or two occasions we have not had enough members to hold meetings.”
He added that parish councillors can deal with a whole range of topics, from play areas to benches and litter, and crucially, planning issues.
“All planning matters that come to the district council that affect the village they all go to the parish council for the local view but these will not be discussed if we don’t have enough councillors to hold a meeting,” said David.
“It’s not laborious work either. The parish council meets every other month so it’s only six meetings year and it’s an enjoyable get together too.”
To qualify as an Abbots Morton councillor candidates need to be at least 18 years old, be a British, Commonwealth or EU citizen, and live or work within three miles of the area.
For more details contact David Hunter-Miller on 07513 122918 or at [email protected].
Nominations for the local elections close on Wednesday, April 3.
