There are seven seats on Natland Parish Council but currently only five councillors, and two of them (Rhian and David Peters) have already indicated they will not stand for re-election because of their age. So several new councillors are needed if the Council is to effectively fulfill its role.
The Council’s role is to serve the community by providing some things directly – such as maintaining the village green, footway lighting, bus shelters, public seating, encouraging litter picking, annual report and parish meeting – and making representations to other bodies about the services they provide – such as highways (County Council) and planning (District Council). That will be of still greater importance in April 2023 when the County and District Councils will be replaced by the new Westmorland and Furness Council, with only half the present number of councillors to represent electors’ interests.
The notice board and natlandnews.blogspot.com give meeting agenda and minutes showing what the Council does, and how to contact councillors and Clerk. You can talk to them about what’s involved. There’s more general information on the internet – look for CALC Cumbria and NALC websites.
The election process is managed by South Lakeland District Council which will publish details on its website, including the timetable and how to be nominated. Key stages include publishing the notice of election (before 28 March) and the deadline for delivery of nomination papers (around 5 April).
Please consider joining Natland Parish Council – it is a valuable and honourable public service.
Your community needs you!
from Natland Parish Council - February 2022
