New survey over plans for towns to get own councils

Letters are being sent to residents in parts of Erewash inviting them to give their views as part of the borough council’s Community Governance Review.

The review is considering proposals relating to local governance arrangements in several areas of the borough, including Ilkeston, Long Eaton, Kirk Hallam and Sandiacre.

An accompanying leaflet explains the proposals being consulted on, which include the possible establishment of town councils for Ilkeston and Long Eaton, the possible establishment of a parish council for Kirk Hallam, and a proposed change to the boundary of Sandiacre Parish Council to include Sandiacre Lock Cottages.

The leaflet also provides factual information about parish and town councils, including their role as the most local tier of government and the powers and responsibilities they may exercise.

Residents in each of the areas affected by the proposals have until Friday 4 December to submit their views through the consultation survey. Full details are included in the letter and leaflet, and further information is available on the council’s website at Community Governance Review | Erewash Borough Council.

The consultation also provides information on potential governance arrangements, councillor numbers and how parish and town councils are funded.

Under the proposals, there could be 19 councillors serving on an Ilkeston Town Council, 18 councillors serving on a Long Eaton Town Council and 12 councillors serving on a Kirk Hallam Parish Council. If any proposals are ultimately approved following the review, elections for any new councils would take place as part of the scheduled local elections. No decisions have been made, and the purpose of the consultation is to gather the views of residents and other interested parties before recommendations are considered.

Erewash Borough Council is encouraging all residents in the affected areas to take part in the consultation and share their views. The survey takes only a few moments and can be completed online here: Let’s Talk Erewash.