THERE are 190 vacant seats on parish councils across south Worcestershire – sparking fears the first tier of local government could disappear.

Disappointment with the limited powers parish councils have and people becoming more concerned about their private lives than the communites they live in are being blamed for the lack of interest.

After elections were held at the beginning of this month, out of a total 1,060 seats on parish councils the number of vacancies stood at: 98 in Wychavon 86 in Malvern Hills Six in Worcester It is now up to parish councils to fill the vacant spaces, but that can call into question the eligibility and quality of the candidates who are co-opted (chosen by the council itself.) Although party politics is not meant to play a part on parish councils we reported in your Worcester News how BNP party member Carl Mason only failed to join Warndon Parish Council on a technicality, showing how people with more extreme beliefs can infiltrate the local government set-up.

Barbara Beard, chairman of Lower Broadheath Parish Council, said: “There’s a real fear that if the lack of interest in parish councils continues, the powers that be might think ‘do we really need this’? We are there for the community and there’s no party politics. If parish councils disappear then the community will be the loser because they will have no voice.”

Parish councils have small budgets and a limited number of powers but they can be responsible for providing a range of services such as allotments, litter bins and recreation grounds.

They are also consulted on planning applications and, while councillors are unpaid, they provide an important link between communities and district councils.

Nick Fielden, aged 41, who has just been elected unopposed to Warndon Parish Council, said: “I’ve lived in Warndon Villages all my married life – 17 years – and I thought I should put something back into the community. I’m not political, I’m not interested in the city or county council, but my immediate environment is important to me and my family.”

Ron Ballard, who has retired from Abberley Parish Council after 49 years service, said: “Being a councillor can be difficult but if people are keen on it, then they ought to be on the council.”

Parish action

Recent council successes: Kempsey Parish Council secured a new post office for the village – the project will cost about £17,000 in total.

Lower Broadheath Parish Council voiced objections to plans to build about 4,000 homes in the area – the proposals are currently on hold.

Peopleton Parish Council became the first in the country to put money into a £150,000 flood defence scheme. Others have since followed suit.

Powick Parish Council paid £10,000 for a new zip wire to keep youngsters entertained.

St Peter’s Parish Council was instrumental in obtaining £58,000 funding for a new children’s play area.

Upton Snodsbury and Flyford Flavell parish councils joined forces to buy a speed-activated sign reminding drivers to keep to the 30mph limit.