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Council ponders parish poll poser
Jun 13, 2008
COUNCIL officials in the dale are being asked whether parish elections should be held next year.
With the introduction of the new County Durham unitary authority next May, the next scheduled elections in the dale are not due until 2013, meaning many of the district's parish councillors will have served a six-year term rather than the normal four years.
In a letter from the Department for Communities and Local Government, views are being sought as to whether there would be support for parish elections next year.
Elections to the European Parliament aredue to be held in June 2009, and one suggestion is that parish elections could be held on the same day.
Alternatively, if parish polls are to beheld on a date which does not coincide with any other vote, the parishes would have to meet the costs of the elections.
The letter was discussed at the latest meeting of Etherley Parish Council, at which Cllr Keith Stansfield said he would find out more information. It was also suggested the issue be put on the agenda of the next parish forum meeting, on July 21.
Other members commented that it was unlikely that enough candidates to sit on the parish council would be found in order for an election to take place.
Etherley Parish Council currently has vacancies for members.