Harrogate Borough Council is seeking the views of local residents on proposals to establish a parish council for Pannal and Burn Bridge.
The Community Governance Review is in response to a petition signed by 285 people who are in favour of the idea, which was presented to Harrogate Borough Council by the Pannal Village Society.
Parish and town councils are the first level of local government. They provide communities with a democratic voice and a structure for taking community action. More than a third of people in England currently have a parish or town council.
As part of the review, a 12 week public consultation was launched in May 2015 to consider whether a parish council should be created. 932 households within the boundaries of the proposed parish, together with other interested parties including public service providers, community groups and businesses, were sent a consultation pack containing all the information to consider. Anyone interested in taking part in the consultation has until 28 July to submit their comments for consideration.
The Community Governance Review survey can be found on the council’s website at: www.harrogate.gov.uk/CGR-Survey or by emailing membserv@harrogate.gov.uk. Hard copies are also available from the council’s Crescent Gardens office in Harrogate.
At the end of the consultation, Harrogate Borough Council will consider the responses before making recommendations on whether to form a new parish council and how it will work. Final proposals will be considered by full council on 7 October 2015.
Councillor Richard Cooper, Leader of Harrogate Borough Council said:
It is important that the residents of Pannal and Burn Bridge let us know their views on whether a new parish council should be established, as it will have an impact on their community in the future.
I would encourage all residents to complete the survey and return it to the council, as their opinions will influence a final decision.
