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Parish Councils - “not just for the bad things in life”
By Steve Hanlon | April 20, 2007
Nice to see this article in the “Battle for West Lancashire” blog about the Up Holland Parish Council meeting last Tuesday: Parish Power (The Battle for West Lancashire).
The evening was a lovely occasion and celebrated Arthur Tennant’s very many contributions to life in Up Holland. Arthur was one of the first people Jude and I got to know in the village and he was extremely welcoming.
I hope that in the future, the parish will be able to honour other people in the village in the same way that they have Arthur. If Parish Councils are to succeed, they should be at the heart of the community - dealing with both the mundane and joyful things in the community. They should be leading the celebration when people like Arthur are being recognised, but also sharing in the success of individuals across the villages and towns. I’m sure that, in that way, they would gain a lot more respect and recognition in themselves for being an active part of the community.
It also touches on the proposals for the Skelmersdale and Ormskirk Town Councils. The main arguments in favour have been that people should have a greater say in what goes on locally. Having been a parish councillor once, I don’t think they would have the power that they think they would have, but if they avoid irrelevance and are seen to be at the centre of the community, then there is a chance that they will build more influence and good will than any government bill could provide.
Topics: Local Politics |