What is a Parish Council?

The term “Parish Council” can be very confusing because many people associate the word “Parish” with either the Church of England or other churches.  In fact, Parishes had their origins in the old Manorial System and were both civil and church bodies.  During the 19th century it became increasingly obvious that the Church of England parishes and the local government parishes should be separate and that the Civil Parishes should become the lowest tier of government and subject to the democratic process.  We are one of these Civil Parishes.  Wickhamford Parish Council has no connection with the church, nor does it have any connection with any political parties.  

Every Civil Parish has a Parish Meeting, consisting of all the electors of the Parish.  This meeting is held annually.  Wickhamford, a small Civil Parish, also has a Parish Council which is elected every four years.  Councillors are volunteers and unpaid, and the number of councillors is determined by the number of residents within the Civil Parish.

What does your Parish Council do?

• Holds in trust and maintains the Memorial Hall, Manor Lane.
• Owns and maintains the footway lighting, play areas, bus shelters, noticeboards, dog bins, litter bins and some seating
• Consults with Wychavon District Council on local planning matters
• Acts as an information line and liaison between National Government, District and County Councils and other national/local bodies and the residents – from reporting potholes and overhanging vegetation to responding to requests for comments on Government policies

What CAN the Parish Council do?

• In short: a great deal, which is likely to increase with the passage of the Localism Bill into law when this is up and running
• Provide local facilities such as allotments, play spaces, burial grounds
• Through new initiatives, purchase community assets and support social housing

Who are your Parish Councillors?

• There are 6 Councillors: 
• They are all local residents who give their time voluntarily to help run the Parish.  The Council members do not have any affiliation to political parties 

What can you do?

• Come to Parish Council meetings, which are held on the 2nd Wednesday bi-monthly in January, March, May, July, September and November in the Memorial Hall at 7.00 p.m.  Help to shape the future development of the Parish
• Volunteer to join a working party on an area that interests you or in which you have special expertise e.g. play spaces, street lighting, funding opportunities
• Keep the Parish Council informed about your own group/association so the Council can forward relevant information to you
• Read the agendas and let the Council have your views on local issues. Agendas are put on the noticeboard on the Wednesday before each Council meeting and can also be downloaded from this website.  Each Council meeting starts with a public forum or you can write to/email/phone the Clerk or a Councillor with your comments