The formation of a new parish council could be agreed next month, after plans were backed by a working party.
In May, people living in Rawdon sent a petition to Leeds City Council asking for a parish council to be created.
And despite issues surrounding the boundaries of a new council, it could be backed by the city council when it meets next month.
However, a committee will meet on Thursday to decide whether to agree to the proposal for the new council, before city councillors will decide on Wednesday, September 12. If backed, elections for Rawdon Parish Council are expected to be held by November.
“The council has yet to make a final decision whether a new parish council for Rawdon should be created,” a Leeds City Council spokesman said.
“We received a petition from people in the area in May asking to form a parish council.
“After carrying out further consultation with local people and reviewing the petition, an electoral working group was established. The group are now in the process of recommending to the council’s general purpose committee (GPC) that, pending boundary agreements, the parish council could be created. GPC are considering the matter on August 30.
“If GPC agrees with the working group’s recommendations, the proposal to establish a new parish council for Rawdon will go forward to full council on September 12, who would determine the final outcome.”
Meanwhile, two councillors who had concerns about the new parish council say they are happy some boundary issues appear to have been resolved.
Coun Ryk Downes and Colin Campbell who represent (Otley and Yeadon ) said they had been worried some residents being including in the parish council area when they did not want to be.
“When we first heard of the proposals we took the time to visit every household in the area to seek the views of local people. It soon became clear that residents did not wish to be included in the new Rawdon parish boundaries,” Coun Downes said.
“Whilst fully supporting the wishes of Rawdon residents we welcome the Council’s decision to respect the views of those people in Yeadon who did not want to be part of this new Parish.
“I am happy that the elections working party has therefore agreed to refer this matter on, with amended boundaries, to the Council’s GPC.”
Coun Campbell said: “As a long standing member of a parish council I understand and value the contribution that they make to local affairs.”
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