Two new Parish Councillors

Monday's meeting of Audlem Parish Council saw two new members co-opted on to the council. There were seven applications for the two vacant posts and the appointed candidates, Heather Jones and Jill Sanders, were elected by secret ballot by the members.

The ballot followed a lively debate about whether co-option was a democratic process, albeit the correct route legally, as local residents had not had a chance to vote as insufficient numbers had put their names forward before the May election. If there had been over twelve candidates then, it was argued, all councillors would have been subject to public election. It was decided by a majority vote to go ahead with co-option.

Councillors spoke in turn about their new areas of responsibility – these were published on Audlem Online on Monday.

Under Planning, Cheshire East will be asked again to formally adopt the excellent Village Design Statement and Landscape Character Assessment, published in 2008. This would be an important consideration in any future major planning application and the borough council has adopted a number of locally produced Statements from elsewhere.

Under Health, the issue of dogs being allowed to roam and mess on the playing field was discussed. "A playing field should not have dogs on it" was the clear view of councillors and Cheshire East's dog warden will be contacted. Audlem Online was also asked to campaign on the issue.

Under Youth and Education, concern was expressed about the school and it was suggested that enquiries be made as to whether there should be a Parish Councillor on the school's governing body given the importance of the school to the whole community.

Two good candidates, it was reported, have come forward as potential editors of the Parish Newsletter. They will be interviewed on 15th June when the possibility of appointing joint editors will be explored.

A contractor was selected for the work on the public toilets and, subject to contract, work should start on the major refurbishment shortly.

The meeting closed with warm congratulations to the Festival committee for a very successful and enjoyable event.

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