WM: December Update

Willaston Matters – December Update

Remind me. What is Willaston Matters?

Willaston Matters is the group of volunteers that have come together to enact the recommendations that came from the Willaston Matters survey, done in August 2024.

OK, and what were those recommendations again?

94% of the residents of Willaston said that they wanted a new group to replace the Willaston Residents and Countryside Society (WRCS).

Residents asked for a group that can represent them on important matters like major building development, green-belt protection, village upkeep and road safety. They wanted the group to be democratically transparent and be able to influence the council (CWAC) on important issues.

When the WRCS was wound up in September, the recommendation put to the village was for the formation of a Village Council.

Wait. A Village Council? What's that?

It's another name for a parish council. We think 'Village Council' fits Willaston better and describes its purpose and accountability more accurately.
A Village Council will mean that Willaston will have elected councillors, who are directly accountable to residents (and only residents), speaking up for them within CWAC.
A Village Council will provide important services that Willaston needs, as well as supporting the groups, activities and events that bring the community together.

It feels like things have gone quiet since September. What have you been doing?

Thanks for asking! We've been busy behind the scenes making sure we do all the groundwork before we start the official process. So far we have:

Set up the Willaston Matters Volunteer Group
Created a Planning Digest process, so we can publicise (without comment) planning applications in the area.
Appointed official roles like Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and so on
Appointed a CIC liaison officer, to make sure we work effectively alongside 'Your Willaston' CIC.
Had a preliminary meeting with CWAC to establish the correct process and understand timelines
Had a preliminary meeting with the Cheshire Association of Local Councils to see how they can support our efforts
Created a time-line plan so we know what we need to do and when.

You mentioned timelines, what do they look like?

Long! If all goes according to plan, Willaston will be electing village councillors in spring 2027. Before then, there are some important steps that we must go through. They are:

Village petition. At least 250 people need to agree to the proposal for a Village Council before we can apply to start the process.
12 month consultation period, with 3 public consultation periods, run by CWAC.
Local Elections.

So, what are you working on right now?

We're working towards the village petition. We want as many residents as possible to support the recommendation of the petition, that a Village Council be created.
We will be spending January and February working hard to ensure that the concerns identified via the recent survey are properly incorporated into the recommendation. Furthermore, we will be thinking about:

The services a Village Council would need to provide to the village
The stance a Village Council should take on planning matters (i.e. the neighbourhood plan)
How a Village Council can support other village activities and organisations
An estimate of what all of the above is likely to cost (i.e. the budget and precept)

And we would really like to hear from residents who are interested in shaping the above goals.

I have opinions! How can I get involved?

Brilliant. We need people like you! Please come and get involved. You have several options:
RECOMMENDED:

Join the Willaston Matters group via the app or website, link below. This will ensure that you never miss an update or meeting invitation. Come and join the discussion.

Alternatively:

We will hold a series of 'Village Surgeries', starting in Jan 2025. Come along for a chat as we love to meet residents and hear their views.
We will post details of future meetings on our website, Facebook page and village notice boards. We're happy for anyone to attend.
We monitor info@localhost Email us if you have any queries or comments.

Join Willaston Matters: https://group.spond.com/VCOBZ
Web: www.willastonmatters.org
Facebook: WillastonMatters

December Update