Town Council
WHAT IS A TOWN COUNCIL?
Parishes have been around for a long time and are the smallest areas of civil administration in England, providing the statutory tier of local government closest to the people, together with the Borough/District Councils and Lancashire County Council.
Town And Parish Councils have a wide range of duties and powers such as the maintenance of community buildings and land; provision of play areas; maintenance of village greens and rights of way. Powers to provide allotments.
Town and Parish Councils are the essence of local democracy and have a vital role in speaking and acting on behalf of the communities they represent. As a Town Council we comment on planning applications and can advise the County (Lancashire County Council) and Borough Authority (Wyre Borough Council) on the views of residents.
Mayor's Message
The annual Town Mayor making took place on Thursday 20th May at Garstang Council Offices. I was appointed Mayor for 2010/2011. My Mayoress is Councillor Sandra Perkins. The Deputy Mayor is Councillor Lady Atkins.
Many local dignitaries and representatives of charitable organisations witnessed the inauguration. As Mayor, I praised the community spirit of Garstang and applauded all charitable and voluntary organisations for their efforts.
I am involved with a number of voluntary groups. A governor at St Thomas Primary School, Chairperson of Garstang Pre-school. I am an enthusiastic member of Garstang in Bloom, Chairperson of the local branch of the British Heart Foundation. At present my team and I are organising the Arts Festival for August.
It is a tradition that the Mayor supports a charity. This year it will be to raise money for a new 3D scanner at Royal Preston Hospital. The British Heart Foundation has been asked to contribute £67,000 towards the cost of this superior machine that will quickly identify any heart defects. My second fundraiser is to support the three primary schools and Garstang Pre-school with their “growing activities”. To encourage the growth of vegetables, herbs and fruit for healthy eating.
I am looking forward to the year in office and promise to do my best.
Cllr Gillian Lamb
Mayor, Garstang Town Council
TOWN COUNCIL MEETINGS
All Town Council meetings are open to the public, and give the opportunity to electors to raise issues for the Council to answer or to carry forward for later debate. The meetings are held monthly and are led by the mayor (Chairman) and advised by the Town Clerk who is there to see that business is conducted within the law.
- For the agenda for the next Council meeting please click here.
- For the most recent Council meeting minutes please click here.
- For a list of Council meeting dates for 2009/10 please click here.
HOW IS THE TOWN COUNCIL FINANCED?
The Council gets their money mainly from local taxation - the precept - and from grants towards products and services. Income and expenditure for the next financial year are calculated in the form of estimates. For a copy of the 2009/9 end of year accounts please click here.
LOCAL COUNCILLORS
Local Councillors do not get paid. They give their time voluntary and are elected four years at a time. For a list of current Garstang Town Councillors please click here. Local councillors fulfil the following role:
- Act as a liaison between the electorate and the Borough and County Councils.
- Can influence other decisions makers.
- Represent the collective views of the residents.
- Can play an integral part in the consultation process for many local policies and planning documents.
CURRENT PROJECTS
Garstang Town Council are involved in a variety of local projects and issues including working with the Chamber on supporting the introduction of limited parking on the high street; introducing CCTV into the town centre, working to improve facilities and activities for young people in the town and recently achieving quality town council status.
TOWN COUNCIL CONTACTS
| Town Clerk | Mrs Edwina Parry | The Beeches, Bay Horse, Lancaster, LA2 9AA | 07592 792801 | garstangtc@btinternet.com |
| Lengthsman | Mr Martyn Rossall | |||
Martyn is an employee of Garstang Town Council. His duties include sweeping up the litter, trimming back hedges and cutting some of the grass verges in the town. Martyn makes a considerable difference to the tidiness of the town. If you have any reports of neglect in the town of Garstang, which need attention by Martyn, please contact Councillors David Williams (605202)