Details of the Eaton Bray Parish Council, including minutes of meetings.
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Eaton Bray Parish Council

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A Parish Councillor

What does a Parish Councillor do and what skills are required?

This is a question often asked. The Parish Council consists of people from many walks of life they have wide ranging views and therefore bring their life experiences to benefit and represent the folk who live in the village.

Firstly and most importantly one attends P C meetings which are currently held each month in the Coffee Tavern. At these meeting we discuss many matters but the primary responsibilities of the council are:

  • Looking after the environment of the Village. e.g. grass cutting, play areas, cemetery and Church grounds, etc.
  • Ensuring that matters involving pavements and roads are brought to the attention of the County or District Council so these can be dealt with.
  • We are trustees of the Coffee Tavern and adjoining Cottage.
  • We administer an annual budget of some £45,000 and have to plan up to three years in advance.
  • Make comments on planning applications (this is the one area where most PC’s feel we do not get enough say!)
  • Listening to villagers and hopefully helping to bring a practical resolution to the problem or even their aspirations.
  • Manage contractors working in the village on behalf of the Council.

The Parish Council employs a part time clerk. It is they who carry out the decision of the council and do all the really hard work. We also have a handyman who we employ on an ad hoc basis to carry out minor repairs; again it is the clerk's job to allocate the jobs. Councillors often report problems to the clerk who will then contact the most suitable body.

Besides PC meetings there are other committees that perhaps meet once a month but normally two or three times a year.

All in all being a PC take about 1-2 evenings a month not too much time really.

What do you get back?

Well you have real say in what is going on in your village and you can make a difference, all be it a small one. Meet other village folk. Be part of a team. Put something back into your neighbourhood. Have a better understanding of how a P C works. Help plan the village for the future and our children.

YOUR VILLAGE NEEDS YOU!

If you are interested in serving your community on the Parish Council please write to the Parish Council Clerk (details on Parish Council home page).