CONSERVATIVE MP Bill Wiggin has warned that parish councils could be in danger of extinction following a report which highlights a growing shortage of councillors.

Mr Wiggin, whose Leominster constituency includes the Ledbury area as well as Colwall, Cradley and Mathon, says a new code of conduct for councillors, which came into effect on May 27, could make the problem even worse.

The report by the Economic and Social Research Council and University of Aberystwyth revealed that nearly two-fifths of parish, town and community council wards no longer attract sufficient candidates.

"This new academic study shows that parish councils are right to be concerned about this new draconian code of conduct," said Mr Wiggin.

"It shows how the number of people getting involved in parish councils has been falling, and notes that these new rules may cause yet more to give up their voluntary work.

"This would be terrible news for Worcestershire where our parish councillors do invaluable work."

However, Pat Edwards, a spokesman for the Worcestershire County Association of Local Councils (CALC), said that the majority of parish councils in the Malvern Hills area were thriving, with only one or two expected to be left "inquorate".

She said: "On a positive note, as a association we are thriving and we're very keen to support those parish councils who are finding themselves in difficulty. We really do need this first tier voice, this influence in the community. I think it would be most regrettable if a community lost it."

Worcestershire CALC chairman Joy Clee, also chairman of Kempsey Parish Council, said: "I regret that some councillors feel they cannot work under the new code, which in some cases could prejudice the future of their parish council.

"However, I suggest that now is not the time to relinquish this vocal voice and influence, so I hope district councils will seek all means to keep these parish councils in business. Worcestershire CALC will do all we can to support them in this."