1

Introduction

1.1

Together with other town & parish councils, Frodsham Town Council (FTC) is limited in its powers by statute. The powers of FTC are counterbalanced by duties and are subject to legislation.

1.2

This paper defines the aims & objectives of FTC in the exercise of its powers and describes how the Council will achieve its Aims.

2

Aims & Objectives

2.1

FTC aims to be a professional, competent & caring Authority with the following objectives:

To provide services & information for the benefit of the people of Frodsham in an efficient & cost effective manner,

To endeavour to maintain & improve the quality of life in the Town,

To be well-informed about the needs & opinions of the Town’s residents by consulting them on major issues; and

To act as a pressure group by seeking to influence the decisions of upper levels of government and other appropriate authorities on behalf of the Town.

3

Attaining Our Objectives

3.1

To meet Objectives 2.1.i & 2.1.ii, FTC will:

Continue to be (wholly or partially) responsible for the provision, maintenance & upgrading of services as follows:

•

Allotments: Endeavour to increase the number of allotments in the Town. [Small Holding & Allotments Act 1908 ss.23, 26 & 42]

•

Burial Ground: Endeavour to ensure an adequate supply of interment facilities. [Open Spaces Act 1906 s9-10, Local Government Act 1972 ss214 & 215 (6) and Parish Councils & Burial Authorities (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1970 s1]

•

Bus Shelters: Work with appropriate agencies to ensure that Shelters are safe, clean & usable by all passengers, including those with disabilities. [Local Government (Miscellaneous Provision) Act 1953 s.4]

•

Footpaths & Bridle Ways: Monitor, maintain & promote public rights of way in the Town in conjunction with appropriate agencies. [Highways Act 1980, ss.43, 50]

•

Litter Bins: Work with appropriate agencies to ensure adequate provision & maintenance. [Litter Act 1983, ss.5 & 6]

•

Recreation Grounds, Public Walks & Open Spaces: Endeavour to upgrade, in conjunction with other agencies, children’s play equipment in the Town’s playing fields, promote public walks by organising periodic programmes of walks and preserve the Town’s open spaces wherever possible. [Public Health Act 1875, s.164, Public Health Acts Amendment Act 1890 s.44, Public Health Act 1961, s.54, Local Government Act 1972, S.14 (27), Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976, s.19 and Open Spaces Act 1906, ss.9 & 10]

•

Roadside Seats: Work with appropriate agencies to ensure an adequate supply of well-maintained public seats. [Highways Act 1980, s.30]

•

Town Clock: Parish Councils Act 1957, s.2

•

War Memorial: Endeavour to maintain the Grade II listed Memorial and the gate & railings in good repair. [Local Authorities' Powers Act 1923, s.1 as extended by Local Government Act 1948, s.133]

Acquire land by agreement or acceptance-of-gift (Local Government Act 1972, ss.124, 126, 127 & 139) for the provision of certain services

Work in partnership with other Authorities, where necessary, for efficient & cost effective provision of services, including:

•

The Police Force & the Sustainable Transport Group On Traffic Management (Local Government & Rating Act 1997, s.30) and on Crime Prevention (Local Government & Rating Act 1997, s.31)

•

Appropriate Agencies & Organisations for:

° Creation of opportunities for the development of civic, cultural, educational & social life of Frodsham’s residents;

° Development of commerce & light industry for enhanced employment opportunities in the town;

° Development of ‘affordable housing’ to enable local young people to ‘get on the housing ladder’;

° Improvement of the environment, including present & future recycling schemes;

° Increasing tourism in Frodsham;

° Supporting the development of volunteer groups & organisations in the Town.

Appoint Trustees and manage accounts of specified Charitable Trusts (Trustee Investments Act 1961, s.11)

Encourage, and give financial support (where possible) to, the development of organisations & groups in the Town.

Promote & support entertainment & the arts (Local Government Act 1972, s.145)

Provide information & advice, subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000, by

•

Maintaining an up-to-date website

•

Publishing a quarterly newsletter

•

Publishing a Town Guide periodically

•

Dealing with enquiries and fault reports from members of the public speedily and efficiently

Review existing Bye Laws and consider the need for new ones subject to the provisions of Open Spaces Act 1906, s.15, Public Health Act 1875, s.164, Public Health Act 1936, ss.198 & 223 and Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, s.57 (7)

Endeavour to be an effective custodian of the Council’s property & documents (Local Government Act 1972, s.226)

3.2

To meet Objective 2.1.iii, FTC will continue to

Co-operate & consult with local organisations & groups to assess the needs of the people

Encourage Councillors to become Governors at schools in Frodsham

3.3

To meet Objective 2.1.iv, FTC will continue to

Be involved in the process for consultation on Town & Country Planning. This includes:

•

Considering Planning Applications for sites within FTC’s jurisdiction objectively and in accordance with prevailing legislation & governmental guidance; and commenting on them (Town & Country Planning Act 1990, Sched.1, para.8)

•

Being involved in the development & review of the Cheshire County Structure Plan & the Vale Royal Borough Local Plan

•

In considering Planning Applications, and elsewhere, make all possible effort to protect the Green Belt. (Govt Circular 42/55 – 1955; Planning Policy Guidance 2 (Rev) 1995)

4

Policies for the Achievement of Our Aims & Objectives

4.1

Effective Communications: FTC recognises the role of ‘good communications’ in building positive relationships with the public and with organisations that provide services in the Town. The Council will continue to seek to improve established channels of communication:

Between Councillors & the public through personal contact, the local press and via our website,

With Borough & County Councillors,

With external agencies & voluntary bodies by:

•

Appointing representatives, if invited to do so and if appropriate & possible,

•

Attending relevant conferences & meetings,

•

Subscribing to relevant associations & periodicals, and

•

Inviting representatives of outside agencies to address the Council on matters of interest.

4.2

Monitoring & Review: FTC will monitor progress and review its organisation & functions to ensure proper management & control of delivery of its services.

4.3

Induction/Training: FTC will provide training opportunities for both Councillors and employees to acquire/develop skills needed for effective delivery of its goals.

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