If you’re looking for a new challenge this new year – to do something which could make a positive difference to our village – Ruddington Parish Council (RPC) is currently inviting applications for new Councillors.
Its new recruitment drive comes following numerous departures which, despite some Councillor co-options since, have left no less than seven vacancies on our Parish Council – which usually has 16 members. There’s currently one spare seat in Camelot Ward, three vacancies in Easthorpe Ward, two in Flawford Ward and one in Manor Ward. The areas of Ruddington covered by these wards can be found >>HERE<< although you don’t necessarily need to live in the part of the village which you represent.
RPC only requires a minimum of six councillors to operate, but its lack of members led to the suspension of both the Environment & Policy and Amenities Committees last year until more seats could be filled. These committees have since been suspended for a full twelve months, as the majority of Councillors preferred the full meeting format. Cllr David Hall, who is still Chair of the Amenities Committee, told us: “With better representation we would have a much better say in what Ruddington wants and requires. It only takes two hours of your time every six weeks and, if you are on the Environment & Policy or Amenities Committee, a further meeting in between.” Currently the full council meetings are scheduled monthly.
Commenting on the lack of councillors, RPC Chairman Allen Wood warned: “If Parish Council fails because there are insufficient, then we would no doubt be administered by The Borough, and that would not necessarily be very good for the village. You would have far less of a say.”
It’s actually an exciting period for RPC, which is not only celebrating its 125th anniversary, but has recently bought the former Nottinghamshire County Council owned Youth and Community Centre on The Green for the benefit of the whole village community. However, a full complement of enthusiastic Councillors is needed to help shape the plans for its future use.
RPC has even launched this video, filmed and produced by Lewis Fletcher, which features current Parish Councillors, including recent recruit Cllr Graham Fletcher, explaining why they think it’s important that villagers should join our Parish Council:
If you’d like to know more, please contact RPC by ‘phoning 0115 914 6660 or by emailing office@ruddingtonparishcouncil.gov.uk. Alternatively you can pop in to the office in St Peter’s Rooms – via the entrance which is opposite the Co-op on Church Street – between 9.30am and 12.30pm Monday to Friday.
{Images and video courtesy of Ruddington Parish Council}
