Two Villages, One Community, One Council?

A campaign to consult with residents over the formation of a single Parish Council for the two villages was launched on May 24th at the Annual Parish Meetings for the Histon & Impington Parishes. This was the first time for over 100 years these meetings were held together.

A working party of the two Parish Councils has been meeting to review the options of working closer together, and have agreed it is now time to seek the views of residents.

The Parish Councils have raised the opportunity for joining together in the belief that combining into one Parish Council will:-

• Improve value for money
• Reduce duplication
• Allow issues to be dealt with once and consistently for both villages
• Present a unified voice for the entire community
• Provide consistent services to residents of the two villages

The launch was the beginning of this consultation process. There will be many opportunities for residents to question, discuss, and express their views.

The first opportunities will be the two Parish Council Meetings in June (Histon Parish Council 13th June at St Audreys Community Centre, Impington Parish Council 20th June at St Andrews Church Hall, Impington - both at 7.30) and at the Feast Market Parish Councils stall on the morning of July 9th.

A leaflet will also be delivered to every household asking for responses. Other opportunities for residents to be involved in the discussion will be announced later.

Max Parish, Chair of Histon Parish Council said, "This is something that we have been considering for some time, and I can see many advantages. I am delighted both Councils have now agreed to consult our residents".

Denis Payne, Chair of Impington Parish Council added, "We have many challenges in common and our residents share many facilities. Now is the time to ask the residents if they want to share one Parish Council".

The consultation will end September 19th. The Councils are due to have an election in May 2012. It is possible that, if the residents support the formation of a single Parish Council, that this might be achieved on that date.

There's a simple joining survey that the Councils ask residents to complete.

The Press Release issued by the Councils is available, as is the leaflet distributed to all residents.