Council Vacancies
Parish Councillor Vacancies
Following the recent resignations of councillor Toni Dowrick (Tregorrick & Trewhiddle Ward) and councillor Richard Strawford (Pentewan Ward), Cornwall Council Electoral Service has issued official Notices of Vacancy for these positions.
The notices invite electors in the affected wards to take action within 14 working days. If at least ten registered voters from the relevant electoral area—either the parish or, in cases of warded parishes, the specific ward—formally request an election, a poll will be organised to fill the vacant seats.
Should no election be called within the specified 14-day period, the Parish Council will be advised by Election Services that it may proceed to co-opt a suitably qualified individual to fill the vacancy.
For further information can be found on Cornwall councils Website at
https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/the-council-and-democracy/elections/town-and-parish-council-vacancies/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is a Parish Councillor?
Parish Councillors are elected representatives who volunteer their time freely to work on behalf of local residents. By becoming a Parish Councillor, you can become a voice for the local community and somebody who residents will look to for help, guidance and support. You will be involved in local decision making and strategic planning for the benefit of the people you serve. Seeing the community change for the better, as a result of decisions you have helped make, is something that can give you a sense of achievement and pride.
What are the roles and responsibilities involved?
- A Pentewan Valley Parish Councillor is one of 9 individuals who are elected to represent the voice of residents within the Parish. This will involve engaging with local residents to ensure that their views are heard, understood and addressed.
- As part of the Parish Council you will have responsibility for managing local services and amenities such as the bus shelters, car parks, and Public toilets.
- Parish Councillors help to make decisions regarding the finances involved in delivering local services.
- You will be involved in working to protect and improve the built and natural environment of the community. This may involve contributing to long term policy development such as the Climate Change and being part of the team that assesses and comments on local planning applications.
- You may want to assist with short term local projects.
What skills will I need to be a Parish Councillor?
A Parish Council benefits from diversity and we welcome interest from people of different ages, backgrounds, experiences and abilities. Good communication skills, problem solving, analytical thinking and being a team player are all advantageous attributes.
How much time does being a councillor take?
As with anything, what you get out of being a Parish Councillor will depend on what you are able to put in. How much time you are able to commit is largely down to the individual and what level of involvement you are hoping for. As a minimum, you would be expected to attend the monthly Parish Council meeting held one evening per month.
How long does a Parish Councillor serve for?
Once elected, Parish Councillors can sit on the Parish Council for a maximum of 4 years. If after that time, you wish to stay in post then you will need to stand for re-election.
Please contact the Clerk for more details
Anne Cruickshank on 01726 823978 0r Email [email protected]