A new parish council will come into existence in Barrow in April.
The plans have been backed formally by the shadow authority for Westmorland and Furness Council.
A review of community governance in the town was launched earlier this year in response to the creation of two new councils in Cumbria; Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumberland Council. The two new councils will replace all six district councils across the county as well as Cumbria County Council from April 1.
Members of the shadow Westmorland and Furness Council voted to support the creation of the new parish council for the unparished areas of the borough at their latest meeting. They also agreed to a contribution of £100,000 towards the cost of the first election in May 2023.
An order has now been made to allow the new parish to come into existence. The year of election will be 2023 and every four years after. A copy of the order – a legal document – is available to view at Barrow Town Hall during opening hours and via Barrow Borough Council’s website.
Councillor Derek Brook, Barrow council’s lead member for community, said: “This is an historic moment for the unparished communities in Barrow.
“Town and parish councils can take on a range of powers and responsibilities and provide a voice on many local issues.
“It was wonderful to see support for the proposals arrive during the consultation process from residents, from Barrow Borough Council members as well as the Shadow Authority for Westmorland and Furness Council.”
The new parish of Barrow will be made up of the 11 existing Barrow council wards covering the unparished area of the borough: Walney North, Walney South, Barrow Island, Hindpool, Central, Ormsgill, Parkside, Risedale, Hawcoat, Newbarns and Roosecote.
The number of parish councillors elected for each ward will be: Walney North 2; Walney South 2; Barrow Island 1; Hindpool 2; Central 2; Ormsgill 2; Parkside 2; Risedale 2; Hawcoat 2; Newbarns 2; Roosecote 2.
The new Barrow Parish Council will be housed in Barrow Town Hall from April.
Areas of the borough already represented by a town or parish council are unaffected by the change.
Councillor Brook added: “The process of consulting on and creating a new parish or town council is complex and my thanks go to everyone involved, and in particular those who provided vital feedback as part of the Community Governance Review.
“The future looks very exciting for the communities in question and I look forward to seeing the formation of the new parish council next year.”
