West Berkshire Council has sent in the cavalry to rescue Hermitage Parish Council after more than half of its members resigned.
West Berkshire Council has stepped in to help Hermitage Parish Council after a mass resignation left just three members on the council.
With only three councillors remaining, elections for new members will be held, as the council's constitution requires a minimum of four to hold meetings or make decisions.
According to legislation, district councils can appoint enough parish councillors to ensure the council can continue operating.
West Berkshire Council is proposing to temporarily appoint councillors Paul Dick and Heather Codling to the Hermitage Parish Council, with this to be considered at an extraordinary meeting on September 11.
This arrangement will last until new elections are held or a councillor is co-opted onto the council.
Jeff Brooks, leader of West Berkshire Council, stated, “Parish councils play an important role in supporting their local communities. It’s crucial they can hold meetings and address the issues that matter most to residents.”
Seven councillors resigned due to frustrations over a lack of action and conflicts between new and old members. Ian Govier, one of the resigning councillors, remarked, “The village has changed, and what people want is different to the ‘old days’. We need to be transparent and open to residents’ opinions.” He added that new candidates are available and he plans to attend the meeting on Thursday.
The clerk and chairman of Hermitage Parish Council have been approached for comment.
Niki Hinman, Local Democracy Reporter
