Parishing arrangements under review

Archived press release

Date Published: 10/11/09

Buckingham Park

A two month consultation is taking place to find out residents’ opinions about future parishing arrangements in Aylesbury Vale.

The consultation will run to 1 January 2010 and will give the public and other interested parties a change to express their views on proposals for Fleet Marston Parish Council and the new Buckingham Park housing development currently in the Weedon parish.

Aylesbury Vale District Council is proposing to abolish Fleet Marston Parish Council, which is currently inactive, and merge the parishes of Fleet Marston and Waddesdon.

The council is also considering the creation of a new parish for the Buckingham Park housing development by splitting the existing Weedon parish and identifying a suitable boundary that falls in an area between the two communities.

The review also provides the opportunity for requests to be considered to change the number of councillors serving on any parish or town council within the Vale ready for the elections in 2011.

The Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 1997 gave district councils the power to review the whole or part of their areas and make recommendations for changes in parish boundaries and consequential changes in electoral arrangements. This can include the creation, alteration or abolition of parishes.

Councillor John Cartwright, Leader of the Council, said: “At this stage we are reviewing the parishing arrangements for Fleet Marston and Buckingham Park, which includes consultation with the affected residents. We are committed to take into consideration the thoughts of local people in all such reviews and feel that this is one of the most important roles of the district council.”

Parish and town councils are the level of administration closest to the residents they serve. A typical town or parish council provides or maintains a range of community assets including allotments, common land, woodland, burial grounds, play areas, tennis courts and other sports facilities, litter bins, seats and ponds. Beside providing local services, parish and town councils also have a community representation role and in particular they are consulted by the district council about all planning applications affecting their areas.

The review document can be viewed at the council’s offices at 66 High Street, Aylesbury, or at the area offices in Buckingham and Winslow. It is also available to download from the council’s website - follow the Community Governace Review link below.

Representations should be in writing and sent to Electoral Services, Aylesbury Vale District Council, The Gateway, Gatehouse Road, Aylesbury, HP19 8FF. Emails should be sent to electoralregistration@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk

For further information, please contact the electoral services team on 01296 585050.