Lymington & Pennington Town Council

Lymington and Pennington Town Council - (Website)

Town Council Offices

Town Hall
Avenue Road
Lymington
Hampshire
SO41 9ZG

Tel: 01590 676009
Fax: 023 8028 5897
email: lymandpentc@aol.com

Parks Maintenance Depot

Rookes Lane
Lymington

Tel/Fax: 01590 673319

Sea Water Swimming Pool

Bath Road
Lymington

Tel: 01590 674865

What we do

A Parish Council is the first of the three tiers of local government. It is made up of a democratically elected Chairman, and a minimum of four other Councillors.

If the Parish Council agrees it can call itself a Town Council and the Chairman is then entitled to be called Town Mayor.

Generally speaking electors who are British subjects and over the age of 21 can become Parish Councillors. Normally, the period of office is 4 years and is achieved through:-

- ordinary election
- bye election
- cooption to a casual vacancy
- A Parish Council meets annually. (In an election year the Annual Meeting must take place within 14 days of the Councillors taking office. In other years it can be held on any day in May. Additionally, a Parish Council must meet on at least 3 other occasions during the year but there is no bar on the number of meetings in excess of this.)

What is the difference between Town and Parish Councils?

Town and Parish Councils have equal powers and rights, however due to their larger population, size and impact in the area some have by Resolution of their Council adopted the name and style of a Town Council.

The Town Council may then resolve that its Chairman be called the Mayor of the Town.

This does not alter its status or responsibilities. Town and Parish Councils are both known as Local Councils.

Both are very accountable to their electors, and their small size makes them cost effective. They are also well suited to representing the community at a grass roots level.

Who do they represent?

Parish Councils represent parishes with populations of over 200. Parishes need not have a council if the electors decide they do not want one at the Parish Meeting. In sparsely populated areas a number of parishes may join to elect a parish council.

Why do they matter?

- democratically elected
- local control by local people for local people
- very accountable to electors
- cost effective
- statutory - continuity
- continuity of representation at grass roots level
- What do they do?

Among a myriad of functions Town and Parish Councils may provide and maintain shelters, village halls, clocks, war memorials, churchyards, playing fields, commons, footpaths, ponds, car parks, litter bins, signs and playgrounds.

They also administer some local charities and have special duties concerning public footpaths and obstructions to rights of way.

Parish Councils must be notified of all planning applications and must be consulted on the making of certain byelaws.

Parish Councils have influence over:

Allotments
Cemeteries
Churchyards
Commons
Footpaths
Signs
Halls, meetings
Shelters
Village Greens
Open spaces
Sports grounds
Car parks
Tourism
Clocks
Planning
Ponds
Public toilets
Lighting
Litter
Tourism
Crime Prevention for Safer Communities
Public Transport Initiatives in Partnership

Parishes are also involved in:

Planning Applications to County / District Councils
Consultation on Proposals of Central Government
Department of the Environment and Home Office
Community Care Plans - Social Services Area Office
Social Housing Schemes with Housing Associations
Water Courses - The Environment Agency
Structure Plans - County Council and Unitary Councils
Three Tier Working via Local Governance District Policy Forums

When do they meet?

Every parish must have a Parish Meeting, most of which are open to the public.

If the parish has a council, then the yearly Parish Meeting must take place between the 1st of March and the 1st of June.

In an election year the Annual Meeting must take place within 14 days of the Councillors taking office. Additionally, a Parish Council has to meet on at least 3 other occasions during the year. There may be more meetings, but this is the minimum.

If the parish does not have a council the "Parish Trustees", who are proper offices in the District Council must hold the Parish Meetings.

At least three clear days before a meeting, a notice specifying the time and place of the meeting must be displayed in a conspicuous place in the parish. The public does not have a right to speak at a Parish Council meeting but may be invited to do so. If an elector wants the council to discuss a subject they must tell the clerk at least three clear days before the day of the meeting.

When are Councillors elected?

Elections should be held every four years or by thirds, similar to District Councils, and are held if there are more candidates than places on the Council.

How do they raise funds?

Parish Councils receive funds from Council Tax. Having decided how much money they need to raise they will claim a  "precept" of the Council Tax, which is collected by the District Council. Parish Councils may also be financed by the District Council to provide some services on their behalf. They may also have funds from local trusts or bequests.

Many Parishes have formal twinning links with similar foreign towns and villages as well as owning property (such as the village hall) and other assets.

Who do I contact for more information?

The Parish Clerk is usually the "Proper Officer" of the Council and has responsibility for its financial and administrative affairs including the custody of Parish documents and records. It is this person who you need to contact if you have questions concerning your Parish.

Tel/Fax: 01590 673319

Sea Water Swimming Pool

Bath Road
Lymington

Tel: 01590 674865

Who are the staff?

Ray Jones - Town Clerk/Responsible Finance Officer
Margaret Henwood - Secretary to Town Clerk and Town Mayor
Caroline Butler - Finance Officer
Caroline Templeton - Planing Clerk and Sea Water Baths Manager
Colin Greener - Parks Maintenance Supervisor
TBC - Market Superintendant
TBC - Market Superintendant