Our Parish Needs You

Dear Resident,

We are three Parish Councillors short of our complement of eight, and in order to be fully effective we therefore need to recruit three residents from the Parishes to fill the vacancies.

Following Government instructions, Wychavon District Council and Worcestershire County Council are being merged to form one Authority, and the role of the Parish Council is therefore more important than ever.  It is a bridge between individual residents and the higher Authority. It is a voice our community has to raise the views and concerns of residents, and subsequently act on their behalf.    

Although they are individuals, Parish Councillors do not make decisions on their own.  They work together as a team to form decisions, which are then implemented by the Parish Council.

Whilst Parish Councils have limited powers, they do have the ability to negotiate with, and the power to influence, the higher authorities – such as Planning and Highways.  In this respect Parish Councils can be extremely powerful.  The Parish Council is also responsible for the Village Green in Flyford Flavell and also organises events such as the VE Day celebrations.  It has a hand in the village hall in Grafton and employes a lengthsman who carries out minor mainentance work on the Highway.  There is a lot of potential for someone who wants to be active in the community.

Once elected, Parish Councillors sit on the council for a four year period or until the council is disolved if co-opted during the course of a council.  If they want to stay in the post longer they can stand for re-election.  This does not mean you have to stay for four years.  If you find it’s not for you or you can no longer meet the commitment you can stand down.

To stand for election to The Flyfords Parish Council you must:

• Be an elector of the parish; or 
• In the past 12 months have occupied as owner or tenant land or other premises in the parish; or
• Work in the Parish (as your principal or only place of work); or
• Live within three miles of the Parish boundary.
• Be aged 18 or over

All Parish Councillors sign the national Code of Conduct which is a set of guidelines outlining the expected behaviour, values and principles for individuals within an organisation. 

The Flyfords Parish Council meets bi-monthly to discuss items on an Agenda which is produced by the Clerk on behalf of Councillors.  Councillors can request an item they wish to be discussed to be included on the Agenda.  The Flyfords Parish Council regular meetings are normally held on a Tuesday evening in The Flyfords Hall, Grafton Flyford and usually commence at 7.30pm.  In addition to the bi-monthly meetings Councillors are required to give time for “ad-hoc” meetings – for example public meetings and to discuss planning applications and Highways matters etc.

If you are interested in the community, want to make a difference and would enjoy being part of our team - please consider taking on the role of Parish Councillor.  It is not arduous!. If you require further information please contact either the Parish Clerk, or any of the Councillors whose contact details can be found on the Flyfords Parish Council website.

Our next meeting is on 21st October and that would be a great opportunity to co-opt new members.  If you are interested please contact us before then.

Yours sincerely
Mark Broughton-Taylor
Parish Clerk