RESIDENTS in the Bromsgrove villages of Lickey and Blackwell are going to be asked whether they want to streamline their parish council.

Due to the lack of volunteers willing to stand as councillors, local people are going to be asked to air their views about permanently downsizing the parish council.

Bromsgrove District Council, in conjunction with the parish council, is to consult residents to find out what they think about cutting the number of parish councillors from 11 to nine in time for the next parish council elections in May 2007.

Council officer John Wright, committee group leader, said: "Since its formation in 1993, Lickey and Blackwell Parish Council has had 11 councillors representing the views of local people and taking decisions on local issues.

"However, in recent years it has not been possible to fill all 11 places because not enough people have come forward to stand for election as parish councillors.

"Even when the parish council has tried to fill the vacant places by co-opting volunteers, without an election, it has not been able to make up the numbers.

"Despite this the parish council has, for several years, been able to function properly with fewer councillors and we are now proposing that there should be a permanent reduction in their numbers," he added.

No decision will be taken until the consultation exercise - which will continue until October 31 - has been carried out. Comments can be made by using a form which will be included in the parish council's newsletter or via www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/lickeyblackwellparish