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Useful Information

The world of 'Parish Councils' can be pretty confusing. Here's the answers to a few of the common questions people have about Parish Council meetings, Councillors, and the responsibilities of your local Council.  

What is a Parish Council?

A Parish Council is a local government body responsible for managing the affairs of a parish or village. Comprised of elected representatives called Councillors, a Parish Council functions as the closest tier of government to the community it serves.

Councillors are elected every 4 years and anyone, (with certain exceptions) can stand for election. You can find out more about your current Councillors here.

Are Parish Councillors Paid?

No, Parish Councillors are volunteers who work tirelessly to address the needs and concerns of our parish, often juggling their council responsibilities with other commitments in their personal and professional lives. It's essential that we recognize their efforts and show them the respect they deserve, especially during our meetings. Understand that our Councillors may not always have all the answers or be able to fulfill every request immediately. They are volunteers, after all, and may face limitations in resources or time. Let's practice patience and understanding as they navigate their responsibilities.

What do Bestwood Village Parish Council do?

We own and care for the recreation space in The Square, the football pitch, children’s playground and exercise equipment. We are also responsible for the Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) and BMX track at the side entrance to Bestwood Country Park. We maintain the flower troughs around the village and the displays around the signs at the entrance to the village.

Whilst the Parish Council has a very limited scope and our powers may seem small, we are present, accessible and always welcome hearing from our residents.

Our top 5 tasks include;

  • Local Governance and Representation: Acting as a liaison between residents and higher authorities.
  • Caring for Community Services and Facilities: Maintaining public spaces for the benefit of all.
  • Local Initiatives and Events: Organizing events and supporting community initiatives.
  • Community Engagement and Support: Welcoming input from residents and addressing concerns.
  • Financial Management: Managing resources to fund essential services, projects and community organised events.

What do the Parish Council not do?

The scope and powers of the Parish Council are quite limited and many local issues are actually organised or funded by the larger Borough, District, City or County Councils. Here in Bestwood, we fall under a variety of 'jurisdictions' depending on where the issue is located. If you are stuck with who to contact on an issue, check your Council Tax demand and it will be listed on the breakdown. 

In short, for any queries relating to bins, planning or council tax, please contact Gedling Borough Council (0115 901 3901) or Ashfield District Council (01623 450000). You can find out which you need by checking your council tax demand.

For any queries regarding roads, potholes, flooding or environmental matters including the Bestwood Country Park Rangers, contact Nottinghamshire County Council (0300 500 8080). 

A small area of Bestwood Village, on Bestwood Road, falls under the unitary authority of Nottingham City Council. If your problem is "after the dip" when exiting the village on Moor Road/Bestwood Road, please contact Nottingham City Council. 

Borough and County Councillors are also invited to our meetings, and are often available to receive questions.

Can I attend a meeting?

We welcome and encourage residents to attend our meetings - we will even provide a cup of tea on most occasions!

Residents are welcome to observe our meetings or ask questions during the public question time at the start of each meeting. Bestwood Village Parish Council meet on the second Tuesday of most months, currently in St Mark's church at 7pm. If you would like to know what is being discussed at the next meeting, you can view the agenda on our website or notice boards 3 days before the meeting date. To find out more about attending a meeting, view our quick guide here

 

We will try to update this page with any future guides or explanations our residents may require, so please send us an email or ask one of our Councillors if there's something you would really like us to include. 

If you need more information or to contact us, email Louise on clerk@bestwoodvillagepc.org.