Elections for Pannal parish councillors will take place for the first time this year, following the publication by Harrogate Borough Council of a ‘Reorganisation Order’.
This order formally creates a parish council that will come into effect from 1 April 2016.
Moves to create a parish council for Pannal and Burn Bridge first began two years ago, when local residents raised a petition with 250 signatures to form an application to the borough council – something required by law if they wanted to have a parish council.
The local village society in Pannal also developed a community plan – an action plan for improving and developing the village, much of which depended on a parish council being formed in the area. The plan is based upon a survey of residents’ views on what is needed for the future of the community over the next few years. It includes physical, organisational and social developments and improvements.
There was also a period of consultation with local residents which resulted in many positive responses, including the view that a parish council would improve self-governance in the area.
The publication of the Reorganisation Order brings into being the recommendations made by Harrogate Borough Council for the new parish of Pannal and Burn Bridge and the creation of a council for the parish. It specifies the number of councillors to be elected to sit on the parish council – 7 – and the need for an annual meeting of the new parish council to take place in 2016, once the newly elected councillors take office.
Councillor Richard Cooper, Leader of Harrogate Borough Council, said:
Pannal and Burn Bridge have a long and proud history of campaigning to preserve their distinct identity. Whether it is the Save Crimple Valley group or the Friends of Pannal Station, there is a strong and active community spirit.
I wish the new Parish Council success in addressing the needs of the local community and growing that community spirit for which Pannal and Burn Bridge are so well-known.
