Stoke Gifford Parish Council has announced that it is considering passing a resolution to become a town council and would like to hear the views of the local community on the proposal.
It has organised a public open evening, on Tuesday 4th March 2014 at St Michael’s Church Rooms between 7pm and 9pm, which will provide an opportunity for local residents to talk to the parish clerk and councillors on a one-to-one basis about their views.
Stoke Gifford has a population of around 15,500 and is now larger than what most people would consider as a village. It has been the fastest growing parish/town council in South Gloucestershire since the census in 2001, with statistics from South Gloucestershire Council showing over a 30 percent rise in population over this period.
Industry is also significantly developing, with the introduction of a rail maintenance depot, new technical colleges and a potential football stadium, to name but a few.
In a statement issued on Friday (14th February), parish clerk Steve Shields writes:
“Stoke Gifford has a solid identity but would benefit from having a greater presence in the form of a mayor who would represent the council at local events and assist in promoting the work of the council for the benefit of the wider community.”
“Council recognise that there may be a variety of views on this issue. Individuals and local organisations can still choose for themselves as to whether they wish to use the term parish, village or town. Council can resolve to change its status to a town but have agreed to consult with the local community before voting to pass a resolution.”
A further consultation event will be held in Little Stoke at a later date.
Information from the National Association of Local Councils
Q. What’s the difference between a parish council and a town council?
A. Not a great deal. They both have the same powers and can provide the same services. The only difference is that a town council has decided that it should be known as a town council instead of a parish council, and has a mayor.
Depends whether you’re talking Stoke Gifford parish or the ‘village’ proper. Whilst historically it probably made sense the parish now consists of a widely diverse range of separate places with their own identities, such as Little Stoke and Cheswick Village. The bit I consider Stoke Gifford, ie around North Road, Ratcliffe Drive, Bakers Ground etc, has the feel of a smallish town perhaps. But to call the wider area a town doesn’t make sense as it’s a collection of very different and varied areas. Maybe we need a discussion about new boundaries to reflect the growing and changing shape of the local area instead?
Totally agree with Jenny
What benefit will this bring us and what is it going to cost us for the new Mayor i’m sure there will be expenses the Mayor will be claiming for, would this money be better spent elsewhere than making up another post for the local taxpayer to pay for in these prudent times.
“Stoke Gifford has a solid identity but would benefit from having a greater presence in the form of a mayor who would represent the council at local events and assist in promoting the work of the council for the benefit of the wider community.
Is that not the job of Local Councillors, why do we need a “greater presence” have we not got enough businesses in the area Rolls Royce, UWE, MOD, Sun life, etc etc it will soon be gridlock if we get anymore.
The next public consultation session in relation to the Town Status proposal will take place at the Little Stoke Community Hall on Tuesday 22nd April between 5pm and 7pm. Residents will have the opportunity to meet the Clerk and Councillors to discuss the proposal. Read more: http://bit.ly/1hF85Ee