The Town Council
The Town Council consists of thirteen members, nine representing the town of Presteigne and four covering the village of Norton. All members are chosen by ballot every five years, having been proposed and seconded by parishioners. To be eligible for election, a prospective member has to reside in the community or within three miles of the Parish boundary or own property in the parish.
Once elected, the councillors select their own Chairperson for the year (then known as the Mayor) and a deputy. The Mayor presides over all meetings of the Council, which meets once a month.
The Council employs a Town Clerk. The duties of the Clerk include –
- Ensuring that the council conducts its business lawfully
- Administering all the council’s paperwork
- Ensuring that meeting papers are properly prepared and the public is aware of meeting times
- Implementing the council’s decisions
- Overseeing the implementation of projects
- Keeping property registers and other legal documents
- Managing local facilities. In Presteigne and Norton this covers the recreation grounds Went’s Meadow and Eddie’s Meadow, town allotments, multi use games area, outdoor gym and two blocks of public toilets.
- submitting comments on local planning applications, which are forwarded by Powys County Council for any comments or objections.
- Financial responsibilities include paying staff and contractors, giving donations to help run local organisations, maintaining local amenity grounds belonging to the town and the running and upkeep of two toilet blocks.
A place on the Council is an interesting position, enabling local people to help care for their own area and environment.
Contact
To contact the Town Council
Tracey Price, Garn Farm, Chapel Lawn, Bucknell, Shropshire, SY7 0BT, or E- Mail presteigneandnortontc@outlook.com, or telephone 07866 815622.
