Parish Council and Meeting Dates

The Parish Council Team

There are eleven members of Whitchurch Parish Council who are subject to an election every four years, the last one being held in 2011. If any vacancies occur during the four years members can be co–opted onto the Council to fill these places.

Councillor and Chair – Mr Ashton Broad
Councillor and Vice Chair – Tony Griffin
Councillor Matt Donovan
Councillor Peter Edwards
Councillor Mike Godwin
Councillor Ray Jenkins
Councillor Helen Keen
Councillor Alyson Lampard
Councillor Vi Perry
Councillor Colette Watson
Councillor Marie Wilkinson
Ward Councillor: Peter Edwards, Publow and Whitchurch, B&NES Council.

What does the Parish Council do?

Although the Parish Council is the lowest tier of local government, it has responsibility for the whole parish and is an essential part of the structure of local democracy, having a vital role in acting on behalf of the community it represents. The Council has a wide range of powers which usually relate to local matters including:–

• Administration of open spaces, play areas, bus shelters, cemeteries, allotments.
• Assessment of planning applications and other proposals which may affect the parish
• Undertaking projects and schemes that benefit local residents
• Working in partnership with other bodies to achieve benefits for the parish
• Alert relevant authorities to any problems or work that needs to be undertaken
• Helping other tiers of local government keep in touch with their local communities

Parish Council meetings

Parish Council meetings are usually held on the 1st Wednesday of every month except August. They are normally held in the Whitchurch Village Community Centre, small hall and start at 7.30pm. The agenda for each meeting is posted on the notice boards in the community centre and at the bus stop on Bristol Road. At the beginning of every meeting there is a public participation section where residents are invited to speak to the Council and ask any questions they may have. Only items on the agenda can be formally discussed at any meeting. A request for an Item to be included on the agenda can be given to the Clerk or any of the Councillors prior to the next meeting.

Meeting Dates

Meetings usually start at 7.30.p.m. but please see the agenda or contact the parish office for confirmation.