Residents from a cross section of the community have backed the calls from Peasedown 1st for a by-election to be held for the latest vacancy on Peasedown St John Parish Council.
The vacancy comes after the resignation of Chairman Eric Lindsay, who decided to stand down on the approach to his 70th birthday.
Peasedown 1st, which was set up in 2010 to strengthen community spirit and promote democracy in the village, believes giving the public the chance to have their say is the best way forward.
Cllr David Walker, the Leader of the group said: “Peasedown 1st believes that local people know best. The decision as to who takes up the next seat on Peasedown Parish Council should be made by the public, not just a few parish councillors.”
Recent vacancies on the council have been filled by co-option – a process where existing parish councillors get to decide who takes up seats. Cllr Walker added: “This can no longer go on. Parish Councillors are there to serve the public, and put the interests of the electorate first. The only way to know the true interests of the electorate is to ask them!”
High profile names have supported Peasedown 1st in their by-election bid. They include B&NES Council’s Human Rights Champion, Cllr Sarah Bevan, former Parish Councillor and B&NES Labour Party candidate Guy Matthews, Vice Chairman of the Parish Council and radio show host Cllr Karen Walker, and Primary School Governor Chris Grant.
Peasedown 1st Secretary Becci McCafferty said: “Our letter to B&NES Council’s Electoral Services Department had almost double the required ten signatures needed for a by-election to be triggered. Residents from Under Knoll to Albert Avenue, and from Red Post Court to Ashgrove have supported us.”
On Monday 10th December, Electoral Services confirmed that Peasedown 1st’s letter, and all the signatures submitted were valid. A by-election for the most recently advertised vacancy will be held in the New Year.
They also confirmed that an additional petition of the required 10 names had also been submitted asking for a by election to take place.
For more details about Peasedown 1st and the work they are doing in the community visit www.peasedown1st.org.uk.
