Residents in unparished areas have short time to share views on parish councils

The consultation is part of a legal process called a Community Governance Review (CGR), being carried out by Three Rivers District Council.

The CGR will assess whether residents feel any changes are needed to make their parish council arrangements more effective. It closes on 18 September.

It also asks residents in unparished areas, such as Penn, Mill End, West Hyde and Maple Cross if they would like a parish council, the first-tier of local government, to be established.

Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst OBE, Leader of Three Rivers District Council, said: “There’s not a lot of time left for residents in those four unparished areas if they would like to have a parish council or remain in situ.

“Parish councils are hyperlocal and care for and provide for their immediate area. Being a parish councillor myself, I have seen the extraordinary work parish councils and its members do for their local communities. They carry out many duties and vital local services, such as allotments, community halls and even village fetes.

“We want as many views as we can before the consultation closes. So, if you live in Penn, Mill End, West Hyde and Maple Cross, then I strongly urge you to have your say before the clock strikes midnight on Friday 18 September.”

For more information and to take part in the consultation visit: https://haveyoursay.threerivers.gov.uk/district-wide-community-governance-review