The Parish Council is the first level of local government, and can influence local things for the benefit of the community.
It uses its modest funding, collected as part of the Council Tax, to try to resolve matters which concern local residents. The remit is broad, but currently involves commenting on planning applications, bringing pressure to bear on Westmorland and Furness Council to take action on roads, flooding, and potentially dangerous trees, and keeping in touch with Yorkshire Dales National Park on maintaining public rights of way. Planning social and community events, such as those surrounding recent jubilees, the coronation, and the forthcoming 80th anniversary of D-Day are amongst the more pleasurable activities.
Casterton Parish Council is currently two members short of its full complement of five Councillors. Three is the number needed for any meeting to be quorate, so the absence of a single person due to illness etc results in the Parish Council meeting having to be cancelled or re-scheduled.It is easy to see how such a small number limits what can be achieved.
If you have a few hours a month to spare, and would like to contribute to village life, then please consider helping your community by becoming a Councillor. The process of co-option is quick and straightforward – just fill in the simple online application form and send it to the parish clerk – it really is that simple
Casterton Parish Council