Letter: The Farce at Ash Should Be Brought to an End

Published on: 19 Nov, 2022
Updated on: 19 Nov, 2022

From: Jules Cranwell

In response to: Why the Derisive Laughter Over a Council’s Behaviour Is Understandable

It is beyond time that the soap opera at Ash PC was brought to an end. If Neighbours can be consigned to history, so can this farce.

I believe that Guildford Borough Council has the power to intervene when a parish council is not performing its democratic function by dissolving such a council, allowing a new broom to sweep.

Why has it failed to act?

Editor’s comment: The system appears to rely on self-regulation. We have been told, by knowledgeable sources, that what a parish council chooses to do is solely a matter for them, it is for others to challenge or complain if they are concerned and/or affected by decisions. The borough council does have a role in adjudicating complaints made but only takes over a parish council if it is defunct or inquorate, as happened at Normandy (see: GBC Brings Dormant Normandy Parish Council Back to Life).