PARISH COUNCIL VACANCIES

Currently there are three vacancies on the Parish Council caused by the recent resignations of Kai Shand, Sheila Parsons and Stephen Verrill.

These vacancies need to be filled so that the Council can ideally operate with its full quota of six members. Presently there are three councillors, Dean Culshaw, Steve Oliver and Gareth Sargeson, and therefore the Council can still meet and make decisions as it remains quorate.

The vacancies will be filled either by election or by co-option if an election is not called.

A notice of “vacancy in office of councillor” was formally posted on November 13th for the vacancies caused by the resignations of Mr. Shand and Mrs Parsons and on November 18th for that of Mr. Verrill. To read those formal notices click

For there to be an election a written request, signed by ten electors from the parish, must be sent to North Yorkshire's Council Proper (or Returning) Officer, North Yorkshire Council, County Hall, Racecourse Lane Northallerton DL7 8AD. email: elections@northyorks.gov.uk

Written requests must be made by December 3rd for the first two vacancies and by December 6th for the third vacancy. Elections, if called, will be held no later than February 10th for the first two vacancies and by February 13th for the third.

To find out about the workings of the village's Parish Council click

To be eligible for election as a councillor, a person must be a British citizen, or a citizen of the Commonwealth, at least 18 years old, registered to vote in the area, or have lived, worked, or owned property there for at least twelve months before an election.

Councillors are elected for a four year term of office and can stand for re-election after that term expires if they wish to remain in post.

The role of councillors is to work together as a Council to represent the views of their parish residents, while working to improve the quality of life and the environment in their area and identifying issues that are important to residents. The Council can comment on planning applications. It is responsible for managing local spaces, such as open spaces and play areas and also deciding the parish precept, paid through the Council tax and as identified on the annual Council Tax Bill.

For general information and background on becoming a parish councillor click