Mel Preedy of Cherry Orchard, Tillington tells of great potential for parish councils (From Hereford Times)

Mel Preedy of Cherry Orchard, Tillington tells of great potential for parish councils

8:00am Sunday 5th August 2012 in Letters

EVERY resident in Herefordshire is fortunate enough to be represented by a parish or town council.

Parish councils are the tier of local government at the heart of the community. Parish councillors give their time for free as they are passionate about their local area.

The government recognises the value of a local, democraticallyelected body, and so through the Localism Act 2011 it has conferred even further powers.

For example, the general power of competence allows eligible parish councils to do anything which an individual can do, provided it does not break any existing laws.

Now, parish councils can provide inspiring, innovative services for the benefit of their community.

For instance, converting disused buildings into Post Offices, workshops, offices; generating renewable energy for local use; running an ‘apprentice’ style competition where residents compete for business investment; buying the local pub… the list is endless and the sky is the limit.

Parish councils aren’t always great at publicising and celebrating their activities but they are making a real difference.

So, get involved.

Attend the next parish council meeting, give your thoughts and ideas, let councillors know what the community wants.

I’m sure you will be surprised what is already going on.

MEL PREEDY, Cherry Orchard, Tillington.