More power to town councils

Responsibility for more services and facilities could be handed over to town and parish councils.

The management of facilities such as carparks, public toilets, markets and some open spaces and play areas could be devolved to the lowest level of local government.

Approval in principle was granted by Newark and Sherwood District Council’s policy committee. More negotiations will now take place.

Discussions have already been held with Newark, Southwell, and Ollerton and Boughton town councils and Edwinstowe Parish Council.

In Newark, the district would consider handing responsibility for carparks, public toilets, Newark market, the Bridge and Hawtonville community centres, Lincoln Road Sports Hall, parks and open spaces, Sherwood Avenue play park and Riverside environmental improvement schemes to the town council.

Devolution would be less extensive in other parishes initially, but could increase in future.

The chief executive of the district council, Mr Andrew Muter, said: “The key to this is that it unlocks savings for this council and locates services as close as we can to the community that benefits from them.

“There is still work to be done to clarify the range of services but this is an in-principle approval.”

He said money earmarked for specific facilities would be passed to the parish authorities responsible for them.

Committee members unanimously approved the idea.

Mr Roger Blaney said: “Where there is a benefit in local delivery of services it is absolutely the right thing to do, because those communities can shape the services to meet their needs.”

Mr Julian Hamilton said: “It is a good idea because the assumption is local people know their needs best.”

Newark Town Council has voted in principle to look at whether devolution would be possible, but to discuss taking on specific services at a later date.

The clerk to the council, Mr Alan Mellor, will undertake a detailed analysis of services it could provide.

Mr David Lloyd said if Newark took on responsibility for services he would like to see Southwell and Ollerton and Boughton town councils do the same.