People living in Barrow are being encouraged to stand for a seat on a new town council.
As part of the wider unitary authority take-over – a new parish has been approved for the area and will come into effect on April 1.
Parish council elections will take place on Thursday May 4 and community-minded residents are being asked to put themselves forward.
A special briefing for anyone interested in standing for a seat on the new council – as well as for parish clerks, political parties and the police – is set to take place at 10am on Monday March 6 in the Drawing Room at Barrow Town Hall.
Barrow Borough Councillor Derek Brook, Lead Member for Community, urged people to seize the opportunity to make a difference to their town.
He said: “The work that local councils do is exciting and rewarding. We want to see enthusiastic and engaged members of the community stand in the parish election for this brand new council.
“If you’ve ever thought about long-lasting changes you’d like to see in the area and have innovative ideas or concerns about a specific issue, this could be the role for you.
“A key part of the parish councillor’s role is engaging with local people, groups and businesses to determine their needs, making decisions on the services and projects the council should take forward while also getting involved to ensure services meet the needs of the community.
“People from all backgrounds and experiences who are passionate about their local area are welcome to put themselves forward for election.”
The new parish of Barrow will be made up of the eleven existing Barrow Borough Council wards covering the unparished area of the borough: Walney North, Walney South, Barrow Island, Hindpool, Central, Ormsgill, Parkside, Risedale, Hawcoat, Newbarns and Roosecote.
There will be 21 seats and 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 parish is being created following a community governance review and at a time of local government reorganisation which will see two new unitary councils; Westmorland and Furness Council and Cumberland Council, replace all six district councils in the county and Cumbria County Council.
From April 1, Westmorland and Furness Council will provide services in this area including education, adult social care and children and family services, libraries, highways, planning, licensing and refuse and recycling services.
It is proposed that the new Barrow parish council will have a base in Barrow Town Hall under a licence agreement with Westmorland and Furness Council.
As a new local authority, it has a range of powers but can also work in partnership with other authorities such as Westmorland and Furness Council.
Councillor Derek Brook added: “Standing for election isn’t as complicated as you might think, though it’s essential you follow the formal process.
“Help and advice on what to do is available from the borough council’s elections team and I would advise anyone considering this opportunity to get in touch.”
Anyone who would like to attend the above briefing on Monday, March 6 should contact the Elections Office at Barrow Town Hall in advance of the meeting either by email to jswarbrick@barrowbc.gov.uk or phone on 01229 876318.
Anyone interested in becoming a parish councillor should contact the Barrow Borough Council elections team in the first instance by emailing elecreg@barrowbc.gov.uk or calling 01229 876318.
