PLANS for a town council in Great Harwood are "dead in the water’’.
After a "feeble" response to the consultation process, Hyndburn Council has scrapped the proposals to introduce a grassroots layer of local democracy.
Over 8,200 questionnaires were delivered to every registered voter in Great Harwood but the response rate was a disappointing 11.9 per cent.
Among those who did respond opinion was evenly divided – 5.97 per cent were in favour of a town council and 5.90 per cent were against.
Residents expressed concerns about the costs involved as any extra money for the town council would have to be raised through a precept on the council tax.
People also seemed disappointed at the limited powers of town councils and the possible overlap with services already provided by Hyndburn Council and Lancashire County Council such as providing allotments, bus shelters and litter bins and maintaining public footpaths.
Council leader Peter Britcliffe said "There just isn’t overwhelming support for creating a parish in Great Harwood and we respect people’s concerns about increases in council tax needed to pay for a town council.
"The Government wants local authorities to consult on this issue and we have done so, but we have also listened to what local people want."
Councillor Peter Clarke, deputy leader of the council and Great Harwood councillor, said: "The plans are dead in the water. The response was feeble and we have taken the hint. We have looked into this and it’s a no-goer. Great Harwood people don’t want an additional layer of bureaucracy and unnecessary cost.
"People seem very happy with the service already provided by their area council and there isn’t any enthusiasm for a town council."
A meeting of Great Harwood Area Council called for Monday night to discuss the issue has now been cancelled.
