Why Parish Councils should be encouraged

Wilsden is one of Cullingworth's 'next door villages' and straggles down the valley from the Haworth Road to the Malt Shovel at Harden (which is actually in Wilsden - one of geography's little quirks). Like Cullingworth, Wilsden is a combination of traditional South Pennine mill village terraces and cottages with assorted dormitory estates built over the last 50 years.

Yesterday evening was Wilsden Parish Council - a meeting that brings both exasperation and stultifying boredom. But despite this - and the pettifogging nature of much discussed - I remain convinced of the value we get from Parish Councils.

Last night the Wilsden Parish Council discussed the minutiae of living in the village - the impact of a road closure on the post office, the delivery of the village newsletter (and the worry that there appear to be three of these newsletters) and assorted planning applications for caravans, conservatories and an ugly detatched house. Not matters of great moment but important in their very local, specific way.

So, despite the busibodying, the seemingly endless meetings, the wittering about the tiniest issue and the occasional bout of self-importance, Parish Councils are a good thing - they enhance a place and they do so at very low cost (about a tenner a head in Wilsden). If you don't already have one think about getting one. And thank me when you're sitting through the second hour of a discussion about the Parish web-site!