Residents' survey on creation of parish council

TWO years after initially backing the formation of a South Weald Parish Council, residents are to be asked for their views again.

A petition backing the proposals for the creation of a council in South Weald was handed into the Secretary of State for determination in October 2006.

But due to the introduction of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007, Brentwood Borough Council, rather than the Government will now decide whether to create a parish council in South Weald.

The 2007 act requires the council to consult the residents affected.

A full postal consultation will now be held to allow the council to move forward on a decision.

Cllr Karen Chilvers expressed disappointment that there had been an 18-month delay in the creation of the council, which was hoped to be set up by 2007.

Andy Stroulger, deputy chief executive of Brentwood council, said: "It got caught up with the new act, which is about devolving such decisions to local councils.

"Those applications that were in the pipeline got pushed back.

"Clearly we are required to consult residents but we will be making it clear why it is taking place."

The new parish council would mean slightly higher council tax bills for residents, as there would be an additional parish precept to pay for the extra tier of local government.