Calls to create town council for Stafford

Councillors say move would help keep traditions such as having a town Mayor

- By Kerry Ashdown

PLANS to create a new Stafford Town Council have moved forward - and the move could also preserve a civic tradition spanning more than 400 years.

The county town is currently the only unparished area in the Stafford Borough, meaning it does not have a town or parish council.

Over the years, calls have been made to create a Stafford Town Council. They have been renewed following the Government's plans to move to a unitary authority system across England, meaning current borough, district and county councils are facing the axe.

The creation of single, larger unitary authorities has led to concerns about future representation of towns and villages. Speaking at the recent full Stafford Borough Council meeting, Councillor Tony Pearce said: “It’s somewhat ironic legislation, which will potentially see the demise of Stafford Borough Council, called the Devolution Bill, when in fact the reality is a lot of decision making will be taken away from the majority of people around the town of Stafford.