A number of experienced councillors have decided not to stand for re-election and it does highlight a number of problems at local level.
I served on the council for a few years before deciding I didn't feel able to independently report on council matters for my Hethersett Herald e magazine. But that was just my view. Being a parish councillor can be a highly satisfying position and you certainly find out what is happening in the village.
To me the most important function of a parish council is to act as a pressure group putting pressure on decisions being made at district and county level as well as at national level.
All too often there is a feeling that parish councils have too little power and too small a say on what goes on in their area. Surely these are the people who truly know what makes a village or town tick and what is needed? When you talk about localism and devolving power downwards, it should come down as far as parish level after all parish or town councillors have to live in the village or town they represent.
Now we are approaching a situation in Hethersett where only nine people have put their names forward and where some very experienced councillors will be calling it a day. Having spoken with some of them, I can appreciate their reluctance to stand again. Councillors cop a considerable amount of flack and I'm sure many of those chucking out this flack do not appreciate the fact that being a parish councillor is a volunteer position. That may sound a rather rude way of putting it but sometimes things have to be said in plain words without beating about the bush. Once again I underline what an important part parish councillors play in local affairs and we should all be grateful to those not standing for their contribution to local life - some of which has been significant.
Unless more people come forward or can be co-opted, we could be facing a difficult situation where the council is vastly understrength and this could have serious repercussions for the running of the new sports and community pavilion on our local memorial playing field.
There's quite a complex set up around this. The parish council are custodial guardians of the Memorial Field and therefore the pavilion. But the day to day running of the field is down to a group of trustees, some of whom are independent of the parish council but some of whom sit on both bodies. I told you the situation is complex.
The new community building is due to be completed in May and officially opened in June. Between now and then the new council will be in place and could be up to five members short. In addition some of the councillors standing down are also trustees of the playing field. So will they remain on that body? In the words of the hoary old saying "only time will tell." I'm sure this won't be the only time I blog about this situation. I'm equally sure that the situation will sort itself out. I have a vested interest in the new community hub and hope it will become something Hethersett can be proud of in the future. And Hethersett people are very resilient.
I often wonder how many people are aware of issues in a town or village. As ours grows and grows, areas that once were fields become unrecognisable - a Warren of new roads with new names. That in itself increases and introduces a variety of new issues that need to be addressed. A solid parish council can play a major part in addressing these issues.
I would also like to pay tribute to former chairman Adrienne Quinlan who is not standing for re-election due to health issues. Adrienne is a highly skilled chairman who had the ability to make her views known whilst being a brilliant listener and always taking in the views of others in a hugely democratic manner. Her good natured control of meetings will be greatly missed.
Now I know that many of my readers don't live in Hethersett but I suggest many of the issues will be experienced wherever they live. Back to more general blogs tomorrow.