Time is running out for residents living in and around the centre of Stafford to have their say on whether they want to have a ‘town council.’

Hundreds of people have already taken part in a consultation as part of a ‘Community Governance Review.’

A cross-party working group on Stafford Borough Council recommended that the area to be reviewed should "encompass the unparished area of the borough and the current parished area of Doxey.”

Tens of thousands of letters were sent out last month to households in the county town who would be affected by the move. And residents have until this Sunday (22 March) if they want their views to be taken into account.

Stafford is the only ‘unparished’ area of the borough and, with Government plans that will see the local authority abolished in 2028, councillors have said they are worried there will be a lack of representation for the county town.

Local Government Reorganisation will see district, borough, county and city councils in Staffordshire scrapped to be replaced by larger unitary authorities which will deliver all council services.

Currently every village and town in the borough is served by a parish or town council - apart from Stafford. A parish or town council is the most local tier of government and may deliver a range of services - such as managing parks and running events - as well as making representations on behalf of their communities on planning decisions and other local issues. They are funded through an addition to the council tax charge - called a precept.

Stafford was granted a Royal Charter in 1206 and has a history of mayoralty since the 1600s. As well as preserving the 'Stafford' identity by having a new council, the chair of a new council can take up the position of Mayor enabling that tradition to continue.

Borough Council Leader, Aidan Godfrey, encouraged residents to make sure they have their say on the proposals.

“There is not that much time left for people to have a say - I’d urge you not to miss out on filling in this short questionnaire.

“The views of residents of our town, as well as organisations and businesses that serve Stafford, will help prepare draft recommendations to be considered by the Borough Council.”

If a new town council receives the green light voting would take place in 2027 to elect councillors that would serve around 49,000 residents.

The six-week consultation ends on Sunday (22 March) with more information, and the opportunity to give your views, at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/your-say-new-town-council-stafford

And you can find the latest on Local Government Reorganisation from www.staffordbc.gov.uk/devolution-and-local-government-reorganisation

Press Release No 6275