By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter
A Broxtowe parish council under threat of being abolished says getting rid of it would erase the area’s identity.
Greasley Parish Council could be dissolved after more than 100 years, and the district be split between four neighbouring parish councils.
Broxtowe Borough Council recommended that the change be made in May, and it is currently going through the final round of consultation.
Campaigners say the change is being imposed on residents without their consent, although the council says no final decision will be made until all feedback has been received.
The Community Governance Review aims to ensure the parishes are viable and reflect existing geographic communities.
Eastwood and Kimberley Parish Councils would also be dissolved.
Parish councillors are concerned about what would happen to the sports and community centre, two parks and 36 allotments that it manages.
Drop-in public meetings have been organised for September 13 and 14.
Councillor Elizabeth Williamson (Ind), who represents the area on Broxtowe Borough Council and Nottinghamshire County Council, describes the move as a “power grab”.
“Greasley Parish Council has played an invaluable part in the life of the village for over 100 years,” she said.
“It’s clear that Broxtowe Borough Council have underestimated the level of opposition to this power grab.
“It is extremely arrogant and an abuse of power to abolish this popular Parish Council against their will.
“It is asset stripping and I hope as many residents as possible attend these drop in events and register their opposition.”
A spokesperson for Greasley Parish Council said: “Greasley Parish Council has been a steadfast advocate for our community’s unique needs and priorities.
“The proposed dissolution would not only erase our identity but also jeopardize the essential services and green spaces we have fought so hard to protect.
“Greasley Parish Council trusts that our Borough Councillors will use their position as public representatives to adequately serve the residents who voted for them by setting aside party politics and personal egos in aid of fairness and democracy.
“We urge all residents to participate in this consultation to ensure that the collective voice of Greasley is heard loud and clear.”
Broxtowe Borough Council said in a statement: “The council is currently conducting a Community Governance Review and is at stage three of the process.
“The Governance Audit and Standards Committee considered the draft recommendations put forward by the Task and Finish Group and recommended to Full Council to proceed with option one.
“This option is to proceed with dissolving Eastwood, Greasley and Kimberley Parish Councils to create a new Parish Council comprising of all of Eastwood Parish area, Giltbrook, Newthorpe and Moorgreen and all the outlying properties in Greasley (as well as other changes).
“This recommendation is currently out for consultation that ends in October 2024 and only after consideration of all submissions received will a final decision be made.”
