What makes a good parish councillor? Everyone will have a different opinion and there is no objective rating system. Forty years in the job might be impressive but it could just be four decades opposing all change and whinging endlessly. Some members of the public believe we are all dead wood. That often changes when there is some issue that radically affects their local quality of life. They look round and the most recognisable bit of local government on their radar is the parish council. A delegation soon appears and asks first 'why have you done this?' and if we haven't done it, 'What are you going to do it about it'.
The chair will usually politely explain that we have few powers but we can make a fuss at the local council - district or county in our area or with some utility or service provider. Working with local people we will do our best to stop this, start that or make appropriate chnages. We can't guarantee results and it might be a long, tedious and bureaucratic struggle. As far as Cranfield Parish Council is concerned, however, we will take it as far we need to, to get a result. With others we can make a difference. Campaigning groups, the Brogborough community, Cranfield Parish Council, local councillors and active individuals managed to stop the extension of the Brogborough landfill.
So what should be on your mind if you are thinking of applying to join? First of all there are very few quick wins. The monthly rhythm of committees, then full parish council ensures that a decision and its implementation can take a while - sometimes a long while. That is, in fact, part of all democratic processes and is no bad thing. So you need patience and be prepared for the long haul.
Secondly, while the Parish Council is not the House of Commons there is disagreement and debate. You have to be prepared to be on the losing side on some issues and accept that someone will say they think your idea is a bad one. Toys must stay in pram. So a certain open-mindedness - and a sense of humour - is essential.
Lastly, you must either know or learn or be shown how the pariish council works. Some people have spent their lives with minutes, matters arising, agendas, recommendations and standing orders. For others this is a new, exotic and needlessly complicated world. It may discourage newcomers from hanging around. Cranfield Parish Council is moving towards better induction of new parish councillors and there is training provided by the Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity. But more needs to be done.
The parish council, of course, needs all sorts. The aim is to be as representative as possible and then, hopefully, to be effective. But the hard grind of improving their local quality of life is maybe not for everyone. If you are interested in membership you should first contact the clerk at cranfieldpc@btconnect.com.
If you want to check us out the next meeting, 'Full Council' is at at 8 pm this Wed, 21 November in the village hall. The next 'committees' will meet at 8 pm on Wednesday 5 December at the same time. Members of the public can speak, with the discretion of chair, for three minutes. If there are issues you would like to raise you can either email the clerk or myself, Laurence Pollock on broadgreen68@btinternet.com.
